Ghana News
Galamsey’s Toxic Legacy: Apart from the Environmental toll, These Are the Medical and Social Cost of Illegal Mining in Ghana
As Ghana grapples with the persistent scourge of illegal small-scale mining, known locally as galamsey, a growing body of evidence reveals a devastating human cost.
Beyond the visible scars on the landscape—polluted rivers and deforested lands—the use of dangerous chemicals like mercury, cyanide, and arsenic is inflicting profound medical and social harms on communities, threatening public health and social fabric across mining regions.
In the Western Region, where galamsey operations have intensified despite government crackdowns, residents like those in Amenfi Central report a surge in health issues linked to chemical exposure.
A 2024 study published in the Journal of Water and Health by IWA Publishing found that illegal mining activities along rivers like the Oda have contaminated water sources with heavy metals, elevating risks of waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera. The Coalition Against Typhoid highlighted in 2023 that such pollution disrupts water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems, leading to outbreaks that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.
Mercury, a staple in gold extraction processes, poses one of the most insidious threats. Research from MDPI’s International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2016, with ongoing relevance) documented elevated mercury levels in water and sediments in districts like Prestea-Huni Valley, resulting in neurological disorders, kidney damage, and mercury poisoning symptoms such as tremors and cognitive impairments.
A CNN investigative report from recent years linked galamsey to increased maternal deaths, miscarriages, and birth defects, with women in mining areas facing heightened risks due to bioaccumulation of toxins in food chains. The report revealed that murky brown toxic wastewater from dozens of unregulated mines now fouls Ghana’s Tano River, a 400-kilometer (248-mile) lifeline that flows into neighboring Ivory Coast and the Atlantic Ocean.
Thirty-eight-year-old Diana Agyeiwaa told CNN the water’s ruin is personal. A nursing mother who once drank from the river and ate its fish, she began to suspect poisoning after developing severe childbirth complications last year. She now keeps her distance, terrified for herself and her infant daughter.
“I fear for my life,” she said. “I fear if I give that water to her, she will die.”
Agyeiwaa, who works at a local radio station, believes her community is suffering in silence:
“I met one woman when she delivered a baby; its nose was half. I’ve seen a lot of deformities in babies.”
The toxic flow shows no signs of stopping, leaving a trail of fear and suspected illness in its wake. PubMed’s 2025 systematic review further connects exposure to fertility issues, including decreased sperm count, motility, and hormonal imbalances in men, alongside ovarian disruptions in women. There have been deformities in newborns linked to the toxicity of the water.
“I met one woman when she delivered a baby; its nose was half. I’ve seen a lot of deformities in babies,” Agyeiwaa told CNN
Arsenic contamination, as detailed in a 2025 study in the African Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, exacerbates these woes, causing skin lesions, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. Scientific Reports (2025) assessed lead and mercury in crops at abandoned galamsey sites, warning of long-term food safety risks that could lead to widespread poisoning. Child laborers, often drawn into the mines, suffer acutely: A 2013 U.S. Department of Labor report, updated with recent data, notes respiratory problems, burns, and itchy eyes from chemical handling, compounding issues like musculoskeletal injuries from hazardous work.
Socially, galamsey’s ripple effects are equally alarming. A 2024 SERVIR West Africa analysis of eastern Ghana’s mining sites revealed high levels of violence, drug abuse, and community fragmentation, fueled by transient workers and economic desperation. The U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) initiative on restoring polluted areas underscores how chemical runoff erodes livelihoods, displacing farmers and fostering poverty cycles. University of Ghana’s 2023 biennial lecture by the College of Health Sciences decried the ecological devastation, linking it to social unrest and national security threats, as outlined in a DTIC report.
Experts like Dr. Edith Clarke from the Ghana Health Service advocate for stricter enforcement, including drone surveillance as proposed by Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson. Community-led efforts, such as those by Eco Amet Solutions, aim to raise awareness, but without comprehensive regulation, the cycle persists.
Just like under previous administrations, Ghana is making another push to end the dangerous mining practices and achieve environmental restoration under the current John Mahama administration. But while the country waits to get a full picture of the success of this news push, the human stories — from families mourning lost pregnancies to villages battling chronic illnesses — show the urgent need for action.
Galamsey’s glitter may promise quick wealth, but its toxic shadow endangers generations.
Accra, Ghana – March 3, 2026 – Ghanaian business tycoon Ibrahim Mahama has added a state-of-the-art Bombardier Global 6500 to his aviation fleet, with the ultra-long-range private jet valued at approximately $70 million.
The aircraft was purchased in 2024 and officially delivered in February 2026. A viral video circulating on social media today shows Mahama boarding the sleek grey-and-white jet, which proudly displays his signature “Dzata” (meaning “Lion”) branding on the tail—symbolizing strength, leadership, and his personal identity.
The Bombardier Global 6500 is one of the most advanced business jets in the world, boasting:
-A range of up to 6,600 nautical miles (enough for non-stop flights from Accra to New York, London, or Dubai)
-Maximum speed of Mach 0.90
A- spacious, customizable cabin featuring private suites, lounge areas, office space, high-end entertainment systems, and advanced climate control
-Bombardier’s cutting-edge Vision flight deck for enhanced safety and navigation
Ibrahim Mahama, younger brother of President John Dramani Mahama, is one of Ghana’s most prominent entrepreneurs and philanthropists.
His business empire spans mining (through Engineers & Planners), cement production (Dzata Cement), infrastructure development, and various charitable initiatives. The new jet aligns with his reputation for blending bold business moves with luxury and innovation.
The acquisition comes amid growing interest in private aviation among Africa’s high-net-worth individuals and reinforces Ghana’s position as a hub for influential business figures on the continent.
Ghana News
Ghana’s Top Muslim Leader Condemns Khamenei Assassination, Calls for New World Order Based on ‘Right Over Might’
ACCRA, GHANA – March 3, 2026 – In a strongly worded message that resonates far beyond West Africa, Ghana’s highest spiritual authority for the Muslim community has officially condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
National Chief Imam, Shaikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, issued a passionate plea for a global restructuring based on ethical principles over military power.
The message from the National Chief Imam released to the media in Ghana describes the late Iranian leader as a “pious man” and a “symbol of resistance and hope for the oppressed.”
The statement directly denounces the operation that led to his death as a “US-cum-Israeli aggression” carried out during the holy month of Ramadan.
The statement, released by his Personal Assistant Dr. Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, throws the Ghanaian Muslim community’s moral weight behind Tehran, describing the killing of the Ayatollah not as a political assassination but as a “martyrdom” that has thrown the global Islamic fraternity into sorrow.
A Broader Plea for Humanity
However, in a move that underscores the complexities of modern geopolitics, the Chief Imam’s message extends beyond sectarian lines. He explicitly expressed sadness over the loss of all lives in the ongoing conflict, including “Jewish or American, Arab or Persian.”
This inclusive tone positions the respected Ghanaian religious leader as a potential voice of moderation. He urged all warring factions to respect the sovereignty of nations, the dignity of humanity, and the sanctity of the Ramadan period.
“In the wisdom of His Eminence, contemporary society needs a new global order that articulates the centrality of RIGHT over MIGHT,” the statement reads. “This, he contends, will consolidate peace and security for the entirety of humanity.”
Geo-politics and Interfaith Harmony
The Chief Imam’s office acknowledged the deeply “geo-political” nature of the current tensions but insisted that “interfaith harmony has a role in search for solution.”
His call for an immediate end to hostilities and a shift from “escalating rhetorics” to “peace building pragmatics” arrives at a moment of extreme volatility in the Middle East.
By invoking the spirit of Ramadan—a time of reflection and mercy—Shaikh Sharubutu is appealing to the shared values of the Abrahamic faiths to de-escalate the situation.
The statement has been described by experts as a significant diplomatic signal from Ghana, a nation known for its religious tolerance and stable democracy. It places the country’s Muslim leadership firmly on the side of dialogue and against what it perceives as foreign aggression, while simultaneously calling for the protection of all innocent life.
As the world watches the fallout from Tehran, the voice from Accra adds a distinct moral dimension to the debate: a call for a global order where ethical right, rather than geopolitical might, determines the future of international peace.
Accra, Ghana – March 3, 2026 – As the US-Israel-Iran conflict enters its third day, marked by deadly airstrikes, missile barrages, and the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, global audiences are flooded with breaking alerts, viral claims, and instant analysis.
In a special segment on Firstpost’s Vantage, veteran journalist Palki Sharma Upadhyay addressed the most pressing viewer-submitted questions to cut through the noise and provide clear, concise answers.
Key points from the explainer:
1. What exactly is happening?
The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on US bases and allied interests across the Gulf.
2. Is this war going to get bigger?
It appears likely. The conflict shows no immediate signs of stopping.
3. When will it end?
No one knows. The situation remains highly unpredictable.
4. Will Russia, China, or NATO join the war?
No. Major powers are not expected to enter directly.
5. Will this go nuclear?
Highly unlikely. Nuclear escalation is not anticipated.
6. What role is the United Nations playing?
The UN has condemned the violence but is limited to diplomatic calls for restraint.
7. What does it mean for oil-importing countries like Ghana and other African nations?
It is not good news. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz or Gulf supply routes could drive up crude and LNG prices, directly impacting energy costs, inflation, and household budgets in import-dependent economies.
8. Why is the US doing this at all?
The motivation remains unclear even to many Americans—43% disapprove of the strikes according to recent polls.
9. What should you do if you’re stuck in the region?
Do not panic. Follow official advisories, contact your embassy, and stay where you are.
10. Does anyone actually have an exit strategy?
It depends on decisions made by US President Donald Trump.
The segment reflects growing global anxiety over the conflict’s trajectory, with African governments—including Ghana—issuing shelter-in-place advisories, partial embassy evacuations, and travel warnings for nationals in the Gulf and Iran.
The potential for higher oil prices and disrupted shipping routes threatens to reverse recent single-digit inflation gains in oil-importing African countries.
Ibrahim Mahama Acquires New $70 Million Private Jet
Ghana’s Top Muslim Leader Condemns Khamenei Assassination, Calls for New World Order Based on ‘Right Over Might’
The New Wave of “Afro-Minimalism”: Redefining Luxury Beyond the Print
-
News13 hours agoGhana Gears Up for Vibrant 69th Independence Day Celebrations: Parades, Plays, Poetry, and Heritage in Focus
-
Tourism11 hours agoEmirates Resumes Limited Flights from Dubai as Middle East Airspace Slowly Reopens Amid Ongoing Conflict
-
Ghana News14 hours agoNewspaper Headlines Today: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
-
Ghana News14 hours agoAyawaso East By-Election Results Trickle in, ECG Audits Fast-Reading Meters, and Other Trending Topics in Ghana (March 3, 2026)
-
Ghana News2 days agoCourt Slaps Barker-Vormawor with GH₵5m for Defaming Kan Dapaah and Other Trending Topics in Ghana (March 2, 2026)
-
Fashion & Style4 hours agoThe New Wave of “Afro-Minimalism”: Redefining Luxury Beyond the Print
-
Ghana News4 hours agoGhana’s Top Muslim Leader Condemns Khamenei Assassination, Calls for New World Order Based on ‘Right Over Might’
-
Commentary11 hours agoAt a glance: US‑Israel attack on Iran