A year-long study has uncovered alarming levels of mercury, arsenic, and lead in Ghana’s small-scale mining communities, raising serious public health and environmental concerns.
The research, conducted by Pure Earth in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) between August 2024 and September 2025, sampled soil, water, air, crops, and fish across six regions.
Communities including Konongo Zongo, Prestea, Asiakwa, Bibiani, and Wassa Kayianko recorded toxic metal concentrations far above both national and international safety standards.
In Konongo Zongo, soil mercury levels were over 560% above safe limits, with some readings exceeding 1,300 parts per million.
Arsenic levels peaked at 10,060 parts per million—more than 40 times higher than global thresholds—while water samples in nearby towns recorded arsenic levels more than 300 times above Ghana’s drinking water standards.
Lead contamination was also detected in fish and crops, with pumpkin leaves in the Western North Region showing levels more than 30 times above safety guidelines.
Researchers warn that residents face multiple exposure risks from polluted soil, unsafe water, toxic air, and contaminated food chains.
They caution that prolonged exposure could lead to cancers, neurological damage, kidney failure, and developmental disorders in children.
The study recommends continuous monitoring, low-cost remediation projects, community health education, and the establishment of a national task force to coordinate urgent interventions.
Source: Adomonline
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