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The Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA) has raised deep concern over a surge in kidney and liver diseases in communities heavily impacted by illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.” The association warns that this trend poses a major national public health threat. According to a citinewsroom.com report on October 20, 2025, the association directly links the rise in renal and hepatic complications to the contamination of water sources used by households in mining areas. This contamination is caused by high levels of mercury and other toxic metals discharged during illegal mining operations. Illegal mining increasing kidney, liver diseases – Deputy Information Minister National Chairman of GHOSPA, Dr Emmanuel Owiafe, emphasised the escalating crisis while speaking on the sidelines of the Pharmacy Technicians Association of Ghana’s (PTAC) 16th Annual General Conference on October 17, 2025. Dr Owiafe stressed that the problem has become a national menace, demanding immediate political intervention. “A number of patients are now being reported with increased issues related to their kidneys and livers, and it is becoming a menace to the entire population,” he stated. “That is why we, as the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana and the GHOSPA alike, are calling for swift and decisive action from the government,” he said. He added that while the health implications of “galamsey” have been extensively discussed by the association, the time for dialogue is over. “We have examined several aspects of the health effects of galamsey. The decision now must be something decisive that the government can take,” Dr Owiafe stressed. Ghana risks losing workforce due to galamsey-related diseases – Economist warns He has consequently urged authorities to implement concrete steps to curb the practice and protect the health of citizens. AG discontinues case against 3rd accused in Adu-Boahene case
