Galamsey Contamination: New Study Finds Dangerous Toxins in Food and Water
Accra, Sept. 23 – A new environmental study has uncovered hazardous levels of toxic metals in crops, fish, soil, and water in illegal mining (galamsey) areas across Ghana, raising serious public health concerns.
The research, conducted by Pure Earth in partnership with Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), covered six heavily mined regions: Ashanti, Eastern, Central, Western, Western North, and Savannah. Samples taken between August 2024 and July 2025 showed dangerously high concentrations of mercury, lead, and arsenic — all of which pose serious health risks when ingested or inhaled.
In Konongo Zongo (Ashanti Region), mercury levels in soil reached up to 1,342 parts per million (ppm), far exceeding global safety standards. In Western North, lead in leafy vegetables like pumpkin leaves was found at 3.1 mg/kg — more than 10 times above safe levels. Fish and water samples from various communities also showed high levels of lead and arsenic.
According to the researchers, long-term exposure to these metals can cause kidney failure, cancer, neurological disorders, and developmental issues in children. Many affected communities remain unaware of the risks, continuing to consume contaminated food and water.
The study calls for urgent national action, including environmental clean-ups, tighter regulation of small-scale mining, and public education campaigns. Health experts warn that without swift intervention, Ghana could face a major public health crisis driven by toxic pollution from illegal mining.
