By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has presented an open letter on galamsey to President John Dramani Mahama, highlighting the impact of illegal mining on children and calling for urgent action.
The letter, released on April 22 to mark Earth Day, aims to draw the President’s attention to the devastating effects of galamsey on public health and the environment.
In the letter, the Paediatric Society describes galamsey as a crime against humanity, noting that it is actively poisoning rivers, contaminating food systems, and exposing children to toxic heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic.
The PSG further warned that the menace poses a threat to future generations, as it irreversibly damages ecosystems, compromises water security, and could lead to long-term cognitive and developmental impairments in children.
The society has therefore called on President Mahama to declare galamsey a national emergency with both public health and national security implications. It also urged him to lead a coordinated, science-driven and sustained national response involving the health, environment, security and education sectors.
Additionally, PSG called for the protection of critical water bodies and forest reserves through strict enforcement, as well as investment in child-centred environmental health surveillance and early intervention systems to screen, diagnose and treat children affected by heavy metal toxicity and related conditions, including chronic kidney disease, childhood cancers and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Speaking during a virtual media engagement on April 22, 2026, the Vice President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, Emmanuel Oppong, outlined a series of activities planned to advance the campaign. He said the initiative is being led by the National Integrative Committee with support from the Climate Change and Environmental Health Group.
Tree planting exercise
A nationwide tree-planting exercise across the various branches of the Paediatric Society of Ghana is scheduled for May 1, 2026, coinciding with May Day.
National debate
Mr Oppong said the society is also organising a national debate focused on whether greater emphasis should be placed on treating diseases or preventing those linked to galamsey.
“Should we be aiming to treat diseases, or should we rather, as a proper strategy, aim to prevent diseases that can be attributed to galamsey?” he said.
The debate will involve the University of Ghana Medical School and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Medical School.
Stakeholder engagement
On May 8, the Paediatric Society of Ghana will hold a stakeholder engagement with nurses, midwives, pharmacists and other health professionals.
The aim is to highlight the health implications of galamsey and build momentum towards addressing the issue, which the society says continues to threaten the well-being of children.
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