Galamsey: Restoring polluted water bodies will take 10 to 15 years – Toxicologist

Dr. Bright Boafo Boamah, a medical doctor and toxicologist, has revealed that it could take 10 to 15 years to restore Ghana’s water bodies polluted by illegal mining (galamsey).

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile, Dr. Boamah stressed the severe environmental damage caused by mercury and cyanide used in galamsey, which deeply contaminates rivers.

He emphasized that even with immediate interventions, long-term efforts, including strict environmental law enforcement and remediation, are needed.

Dr. Boamah warned that the pollution poses health risks and antimicrobial resistance, urging urgent action to protect future generations and restore the water bodies.