Features
Dangers of using mercury in illegal mining
Illegal mining is detrimental to society
One major problem facing the country is the use of mercury in illegal mining, commonly known locally as “galamsey”, a practice that brings about disastrous threats to sectors such as agriculture, health and the environment.
Illegal mining and the use of mercury have not only destroyed the beautiful landscape of our forests and lands in various parts of the country, but also destroyed the waterbodies that we have in various communities.
For this reason, it is common knowledge that if nothing is done about the situation, our sources of drinking water would be destroyed, making that commodity very scarce and probably forcing us as a country to import water.
At a time when efforts are being made to reduce imports so as to reduce the demand for dollars, and help the local currency, the cedi, to appreciate against foreign currencies, the import of water as a result of the destruction of our rivers would make life unbearable in the country.
The use of mercury is very dangerous in several respects because mercury, when handled the way these miners use it, will cause chest pains and difficulty in breathing among people. It is also likely to cause coughing and insomnia, which is a state of sleeplessness among people.
The use of mercury in water bodies as a result of illegal mining can also cause headaches and general body weakness among the population. All these are likely to bring about weight loss, and as a result, the labour force in the country would be threatened and thereby rendered unproductive.
Moreover, the use of that chemical can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and stomach. As if these were not enough, the chemical can also lead to frequent deaths including lifelong disabilities.
All these are likely to render the labour force unproductive.
This means that the budget for the health sector would have to be drastically increased if the country were to address all these challenges in the sector. If these avoidable diseases are brought under control, the nation would be able to save substantial sums of money for rapid socioeconomic development and thereby bring about massive improvements in the quality of life in the country.
In light of all this, there is a need to bring the situation under control. Bringing the situation under control to ensure a quality labour force is the responsibility of every individual and group in all parts of the country. Fortunately, the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Forestry, is working hard to address this menace.
Already, speedboats have been brought into the country to check the activities of illegal miners in various communities. The operations of the illegal miners can be brought to a stop, but this would require the cooperation of all groups in the country.
Some of the chiefs are very aware of the operations of the illegal miners but have turned a blind eye to these activities. The government alone cannot succeed unless all stakeholders contribute positively towards bringing the menace under control.
Without this, it would be difficult to bring this disaster under control. There is also the need for effective monitoring of these illegal operations, which explains why steps have also been taken by the central government to ensure aerial surveillance so that all those involved in the illegal activity can be identified and brought to book.
Education in this regard cannot be overlooked because the use of mercury in the waterbodies for purposes of illegal mining may bring in the needed gold deposits, but the miners may be ignorant of the dangers associated with the use of this chemical.
At this point, some people have suggested that all those involved in this disgraceful act, when found out, should be named and shamed in order to discourage the practice. While this is true, we must know that merely naming and shaming will not be enough to put a stop to the menace.
This is because those who make much money from the exercise of illegal mining should not only be named and shamed because they can hide their ill gotten wealth and enjoy life with their friends and families.
A more effective way of addressing this menace is by rigidly implementing the laws of the land regarding illegal small scale mining. Every culprit found out must be made to face the law no matter what, so that the highest punishment ever can be meted out to them and brought under total shame.
If this is carried out rigidly without any fear or favour, all forms of illegal mining, or “galamsey”, will be brought under total control or eliminated from the Ghanaian society.
It must be noted by all and sundry that wealth acquisition is good, but this must be done in a legal way. The time has come for galamsey operations to be made a thing of the past in order to save our rivers, forests, and general landscape from destruction.
This is possible and achievable with the collaboration of all stakeholders, both rich and poor, so let us work assiduously and honestly towards the achievement of this noble objective.
Email address/whatsApp number of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)
By Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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