A pathologist and researcher at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Paul Osei Sampene, has issued a warning about the severe effects of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, on child development.
He highlighted that galamsey poses risks to both maternal and paternal reproductive health, potentially leading to birth deformities.
Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Prof. Sampene explained that toxic heavy metals released through galamsey activities can enter the human body via contaminated food, water, and air.
He emphasized that, these pollutants can accumulate in the body, particularly affecting a woman’s ovaries or a man’s semen, which could impact the development of a foetus.
“We are concerned about water, air, and the food we consume. These are the main pathways for these pollutants. Whether through eating, breathing, or drinking contaminated water, heavy metals can infiltrate the body,” he said.
“If a mother or father accumulates these toxic metals, it can affect semen or ovarian health. In cases where the mother consumes or inhales contaminated substances, these pollutants can reach the placenta, potentially leading to deformities in the developing baby,” he further noted.
