UTAG-UG warns galamsey pollution could trigger nationwide health disaster

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana chapter, has issued a stark warning that the unchecked spread of illegal mining, or galamsey, poses an existential threat to Ghana’s water resources and the lives of its citizens.

Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Monday, September 15, the association’s General Secretary, Dr Jerry Joe Harrison, painted a grim picture of the dangers ahead if urgent measures are not taken.

“If we fail to act now, we shall all perish,” he said.

Dr Harrison explained that entire communities are already grappling with a worsening water crisis. 

“The water crisis is wreaking havoc in homes. In some areas, such as Kwanyako, people have no access to safe drinking water, and many families cannot even afford to buy water,” he observed.

As a scientist, he cautioned that the health implications of consuming polluted water will be devastating over time.

“People are consuming these polluted waters and will inevitably develop cancers and neuro-diseases. How is that not enough of an emergency?” he asked.

He called on both government and citizens to treat the issue as an immediate national emergency, rather than waiting until it becomes visible in widespread illness.

“Do we really want to sit idly by until 5 or 10 per cent of the population begin to show obvious neurological symptoms before moving? Certainly not,” he emphasised.