Psychosocial effects of illegal mining dire, but overlooked – Pediatrician

Dr. Lawrence Osei Tutu, a pediatrician at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, highlights the severe impact of illegal mining on families in mining areas, especially on children left without proper guidance.

Many fathers abandon their families to pursue 'galamsey' (illegal mining), leaving mothers to handle medical emergencies alone.

Dr. Osei Tutu warned that children exposed to this unstable environment face serious social and health risks, with some young miners even needing oxygen concentrators due to lung damage from pollution.

Dr. Albert Mensah from the Soil Research Institute suggests using crops like maize to help reclaim lands degraded by mining.