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Pharmacists warn of drug resistance due to galamsey activities
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The Pharmacy Technician Association of Ghana (PTAG) has joined the national uproar over the escalating spate of illegal mining with its debilitating effects on the well-being of the people.
The Association has hinted of an emerging patient’s resistance to some drugs used in treating patients with illegal mining (galamsey) side effects.
Pollutants, particularly heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic are often released during gold separation process, where chemicals like cyanide, sulphuric acid and nitric acid were often used.
Mr Addai was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the Association’s 15th Annual General Conference, held at the University of Cape Coast.
The conference was themed: “Addressing the global antimicrobial resistance: A call for patient education and collaboration.”
According to Mr Richard Ofosu Addai, President of the Association, the continuous use of poisonous chemicals had resulted in the surge of serious uncommon diseases in recent times.
“A serious national health danger is imminent and alarming. We are at a point where many patients are developing resistance to the known medications administered to patients with galamsey side effects.”
Besides the rising cost of treatment for such diseases and affordability, he questioned how one could manage the failure of a doctor’s prescription to treat an ailment because of someone’s negligence in mining.
Mr Addai pointed out the stark reality the nation was facing at this critical juncture of the escalating illegal mining menace, must be tackled head-on.
He queried why, the government had not been able to declare a crackdown on illegal mining after more than seven years in office.
“The country is still grappling with these illegal miners who were continually wreaking havoc on both land and water resources.
“It was imperative that the government promptly prohibited all forms of artisanal mining to cleanse the sector and safeguard the environment,” he stressed.
He also endorsed the united efforts of groups and associations in combating the illicit mining activity, which was a looming threat to both humanity and the ecosystem.
Mr Addai urged Pharmacy Technicians to cultivate a harmonious rapport with patients, educating them on the proper utilization of medications to address issues of misuse and abuse.
Professor Nana Ekua Suapim Nyaniba I, Dehia Hembaa, who presided over the event, implored the government to equip institutions and law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit trafficking of drugs in the country. -GNA
The 29th Annual Dagaaba-Frafra Friendly Games have once again demonstrated that sports can be a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation, business networking, friendship and peaceful coexistence.
Held at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra last Saturday, the games brought together members of the two ethnic groups from across Ghana and abroad for a colourful celebration under the theme, “Unity in Diversity: The Dagaaba-Frafra Model for Peaceful Co-existence.”
The event, which has evolved from a friendly football match into a major annual gathering, featured football, volleyball, sack races, lime and spoon, tug-of-peace and a penalty shootout for senior citizens.
At the end of the competitions, the Frafra won four events, while the Dagaaba secured victories in five, with the men’s soccer match ending in a draw.
The Frafra triumphed in the men’s lime and spoon, men’s sack race, women’s sack race and women’s soccer, while the Dagaaba won the women’s lime and spoon, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, women’s tug-of-peace and the senior citizens’ penalty shootout.
However, the games extended far beyond the sporting arena. The stadium grounds and surrounding spaces became a vibrant marketplace, with patrons enjoying and purchasing a variety of traditional foods, drinks and cultural products.
Local delicacies, including TZ, tubaani, bambara beans, pork, guinea fowl, local fowls, dog meat and kosie, were sold alongside traditional alcoholic beverages. Traditional dresses and other culturally inspired items also attracted buyers, turning the gathering into an important platform for small businesses and vendors to make sales while promoting northern Ghanaian culture.
The cultural exchange continued long after the final sporting contests, as patrons remained at the venue to eat, drink, socialise, dance and party well into the night.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, Dr Matilda Aberese-Ako, said the gathering represented much more than competition, describing the Dagaaba-Frafra relationship as a historic bond that had evolved into a modern sporting tradition and an instrument for peace.
MTN Ghana has been the headline sponsor for the games for the past 10 years.
By Gordon Wellu
By Gordon Wellu
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MTN Ghana has undertaken a tree-planting exercise at the Chipa Forest Reserve as part of its commitment to protecting the planet and support the restoration of degraded sections of the forest.
The activity forms part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month celebration held under the theme “Small Actions: Big Impact,” and its 30th anniversary celebration.
It was held in partnership with the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Rainforest Alliance with MTN Ghana supporting the restoration of approximately two hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1,666 trees.
Due to the current dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, with the remaining 833 to be planted when the rain commences.
The exercise brought together MTN employee volunteers, officials from the Forestry Commission and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in driving environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, emphasized the critical role trees play in sustaining life and protecting the environment.
“Trees are essential to human survival and healthy ecosystems. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity and provide habitats for many species. They also conserve water, reduce erosion and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change,” she said.
The District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Linda Ansah, welcomed MTN Ghana’s support, describing it as a valuable contribution to efforts aimed at restoring degraded sections of the reserve.
The Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, Nicholas Jengri, also welcomed the partnership and emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
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