By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Dec. 9, GNA – The planetGOLD Ghana Project has held a comprehensive educational session for 25 miners at Okutey Mines, one of the project’s pilot sites, to raise awareness on the health, safety, and environmental risks associated with mercury use in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM).
The training, which focused on mercury pollution and its far-reaching impact on mining communities, forms part of the project’s broader strategy to promote safer, environmentally responsible, and health-conscious gold mining practices across ASGM communities in Ghana.
Participants included machine operators, equipment handlers, and other service providers working within the concession.
Mr Micheal Affordofe, School of Hygiene, Korle Bu said mercury released during ASGM contaminated soil, water bodies, and the atmosphere.
He said during this process, mercury was transformed into methylmercury, a highly toxic compound that entered rivers and streams, bioaccumulates in fish, and posed severe health risks to both miners and the wider community.
Madam Selina Dussey, Ministry of Health, briefing participants on the health effects of mercury exposure, said mercury affected the nervous, respiratory, and renal systems, with symptoms such as tremors, fatigue, memory loss, and impaired coordination commonly observed among exposed individuals.
“Mercury exposure often occurs through inhalation of vapour during amalgamation and burning processes, as well as through the consumption of contaminated water and food.”
Dr Abraham Donkor, Ministry of Health demonstrated how mercury pollution degraded soil quality and contaminated water resources, saying it was important to adopt safety measures such as the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and mercury vapour capture devices to reduce exposure.
“Some of the miners shared personal stories related to the use of mercury and described various health symptoms they had experienced over the years. Their testimonies underscored the urgent need for safer practices within the mining site.”
They expressed appreciation to the planetGOLD Ghana Project for organizing the session, saying the new knowledge had deepened their understanding of the dangers associated with mercury and strengthened their resolve to transition to mercury-free alternatives and responsible mining practices.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie