In Ghana’s small-scale mining (Galamsey) towns, a year-long investigation has found dangerously high levels of lead, arsenic, and mercury, posing major environmental and public health risks.
Between August 2024 and September 2025, Pure Earth and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collected soil, water, air, crop, and fish samples in six different regions for the study.
Toxic metal concentrations were found in communities such as Konongo Zongo, Prestea, Asiakwa, Bibiani, and Wassa Kayianko that were far higher than both national and international safety requirements.
READ ALSO: Deborah Seyram Adablah Blasts Ghana Police Amid Recent Court Case
Mercury levels in the soil at Konongo Zongo were more than 560% higher than what was considered safe, with some measurements above 1,300 parts per million.
Arsenic levels peaked at 10,060 parts per million—more than 40 times higher than global thresholds—while water samples in nearby towns recorded arsenic levels more than 300 times above Ghana’s drinking water standards.
Fish and crops were also found to be contaminated with lead; in the Western North Region, pumpkin leaves had levels more than 30 times higher than recommended.
Researchers caution that tainted food chains, hazardous water, dirty land, and poisonous air provide a variety of exposure dangers to locals.
They warn that long-term exposure may cause cancer, neurological impairment, renal failure, and childhood developmental abnormalities.
In order to coordinate urgent responses, the report suggests community health education, low-cost remediation initiatives, ongoing monitoring, and the creation of a national task force.
Source: Ideasghonline
