Forensic histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof. Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed disturbing findings from his ongoing research, linking at least 500 cases of spontaneous abortions in Ghana to high levels of heavy metals in the placenta caused by illegal mining (galamsey).
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and putting mothers’ lives at risk.
“I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed.
According to him, his study involved the examination of more than 4,000 placentas from across Ghana, with results showing alarming levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and foetal sides.
“The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he stressed.
Rising Cases of Kidney Disease and Birth Defects
Prof. Sampene cautioned that the effects of galamsey go beyond pregnancy complications, pointing to a surge in kidney-related diseases and birth deformities.
“Do we have what it takes to even solve the kidney diseases that are coming out now? Dialysis is very expensive, and nobody gets it for free. Children are also being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. These are the realities we have to face,” he stated.
He added that doctors in mining areas have confided in him about an increase in birth deformities, though many are reluctant to speak publicly.
“Ever since I drew attention to this, doctors in mining areas tell me they are recording a lot of deformities in babies. Most of them fear coming out, but it is happening,” he revealed.
Galamsey’s Wider Public Health Threat
Prof. Sampene, who has been studying the effects of galamsey since 2019, expressed frustration over the lack of urgency from leaders, accusing politicians of politicising a matter that should be treated as a national emergency.
“Sometimes I feel very sad indeed when politicians come to sit on air and try to tell us who did what and who is doing what. It saddens my heart. Galamsey is really killing us,” he lamented.
He also highlighted other dangers, citing KATH data showing that between 2019 and 2021, drowning accounted for 40% of unnatural deaths in the Ashanti Region, with 25% of these linked to abandoned galamsey pits.
Polluted Water and Long-Term Risks
The pathologist further warned about the dangers of using alum (aluminium hydroxide) to treat water polluted by galamsey activities.
“It is going to cause kidney problems, mutations in the respiratory tract, and Alzheimer’s disease. These are proven health risks,” he explained.
Call for a United National Response
Prof. Sampene urged Ghana’s two main political parties to rise above partisanship and confront the crisis collectively.
“I would have wished that the two main political parties, NDC and NPP, come together and say enough is enough. Otherwise, if care is not taken, we will soon see people walking but with very high cognitive impairment. Mercury inhalation alone can damage the brain. We are seriously in trouble,” he warned.
His findings underscore the devastating public health impact of illegal mining and the urgent need for decisive, unified action to safeguard the lives of present and future generations.
Source: Myjoyonline
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