By Ghana News
Copyright ghanamma
Member of Parliament for Kumbungu and Ranking Member on the Environment, Science and Technology Select Committee, Prof Adam Hamza, has cautioned that the impact of electronic waste (e-waste) on health and the environment is as dangerous as illegal mining, also known as “galamsey”.
According to him, the menace deserves as much attention as is given to issues around “galamsey”.
Speaking to the media during an e-waste management training session on September 1, 2025, Prof Hamza stressed that the hazardous materials contained in electronic devices pose severe risks if not properly managed.
“Electronic waste is very dangerous because we know these are metals. When they find their way into the system, they cause a lot of damage,” he said.
He noted that exposure to toxins from e-waste can lead to serious illnesses such as cancers, brain tumours, and blood diseases, among others.
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“These are very, very dangerous. They are killer sources of diseases, so it is important that we pay attention to these,” he stressed.
The MP then argued that e-waste deserves the same level of attention as “galamsey”.
“A lot of people don’t look at the dire consequences of this particular menace. But it is a menace that is so dangerous, and if you look at the way we give attention to galamsey, e-waste also deserves the same,” he stated.
Prof Hamza added that improper disposal of electronic waste compounds the problem because many of the materials do not degrade quickly.
“They are non-degradable. If we don’t find a way of managing and collecting the waste, it will end up in our environment,” he stated.
He explained how dangerous substances from electronic devices can contaminate food and water sources.
“Some of these things, when they get rusted, wash into our water bodies, and they get into our water and plants and we can consume them,” he said, noting the grave risks of diseases.
Prof Hamza further stressed that such contamination could trigger a wave of public health crises if urgent measures are not taken.
“If care is not taken, it can introduce a lot of health issues in the country,” he added.
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