EPA Confirms Toxic Impact of Illegal Mining: Journalist Erastus Donkor Urges Immediate National Action

 

Ghanaian investigative journalist and environmental advocate, Erastus Asare Donkor, has renewed his warning about the devastating effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on public health and the environment. His call to action follows the release of a new report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which corroborates the findings from his documentary, "Poisoned for Gold!"

“The EPA’s research confirms what my documentary exposed. We cannot afford to downplay this issue as a nation. Reckless mining practices are poisoning people across the country,” Erastus stated.

The EPA’s comprehensive research reveals alarming levels of mercury contamination, particularly in Konongo Odumase and Zongo within the Ashanti Region, posing serious environmental and health threats. The study also identified:

• Elevated lead concentrations in the Savannah and Western Regions
• Widespread arsenic pollution across the Ashanti Region
• Cadmium accumulation in both water bodies and aquatic life in Akwaboso

Erastus emphasized that these findings demand urgent and decisive action. He called for strong enforcement of existing laws, the designation of protected "red zones" where mining should be strictly prohibited (such as water bodies, farmlands, and residential areas), and bold political will from the government.

“We must unite as a country and confront this crisis. Law enforcement must be robust and consistent. Government response must be bold, rigorous, and unrelenting,” he urged.

He also appealed to national institutions and media outlets to contribute to the fight against illegal mining. Specifically, he called on the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to be revitalized and tasked with spearheading a nationwide campaign using these findings. Furthermore, he urged media houses to allocate airtime for public education on the dangers of galamsey.

“The time to act is now,” he declared. “The media and civic institutions must rise to the occasion.”

The EPA’s report paints a grim picture: toxic elements such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic are now present in the soil, water, food crops, and fish across various mining-affected communities. Public health experts warn that prolonged exposure to these contaminants could lead to birth defects, organ failure, and significantly reduced life expectancy.

Erastus Asare Donkor’s call to action underscores the urgent need for a coordinated, national response to halt the ongoing environmental disaster and protect future generations from the irreversible consequences of unchecked illegal mining.

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Source: MyNewsGh.com