A deadly lung disease is said to have claimed the lives of 100 people, mostly galamsey operators, within the last three years in the mining communities of Konongo and Odumase in the Ashanti Region.
According to the Tuberclosis (TB) Control Cor-dinator in the Asante Akim North municipality, Dr Paul Ntiamoah, the disease – chronic obstructive airway – was linked to illegal gold mining in the area.
So far, he said, there was no cure for the disease which can wipe out many lives, especially as galamsey activities intensify in the area.
Dr Ntiamoah told the Daily Graphic that there were strong signals that many more galamsey operators could die if people continue exposing themselves to the dust and fumes that emanate from illegal mining activities.
However, the Deputy Director in charge of Public Health at the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, Dr Joseph Oduro, said he regional health directorate is yet to be informed of the disease and its death toll.