The PSG, which is a professional association of paediatricians in Ghana, cited several **disturbing trends** that have been observed in recent years, including an increase in the number of children suffering from respiratory problems, skin infections, and other health conditions linked to galamsey activities. The society also expressed concern over the **lack of access** to healthcare services for children living in galamsey-affected communities, which has exacerbated the problem. "The situation is quite worrying, and we are seeing more and more children coming to our hospitals with health problems related to galamsey," said Dr. Ama Bawa, a paediatrician at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. "We are doing our best to treat them, but we need the government to take **decisive action** to address the root causes of the problem."
Galamsey and its effects on children
Galamsey, which is a local term for illegal mining, has been a major problem in Ghana for many years. The practice, which involves the use of **mercury and other toxic substances** to extract gold from soil and rocks, has been linked to a range of health problems, including mercury poisoning, lead poisoning, and respiratory diseases. Children are particularly vulnerable to these health hazards because their bodies are still developing, and they are more likely to **ingest toxic substances** through play or other activities. "The effects of galamsey on children are **far-reaching** and can have **long-term consequences** for their health and wellbeing," said Dr. Kwame Asante, a paediatrician at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. "We are seeing children with **permanent brain damage**, **kidney damage**, and other health problems that could have been prevented if the government had taken action to stop galamsey activities."
The PSG is calling on the government to **take immediate action** to stop galamsey activities and to provide **support** to children who have been affected by the practice. The society is also urging the government to **enforce existing laws** and regulations related to mining, and to **provide alternative livelihoods** for people who are currently engaged in galamsey activities. "We believe that the government has a **moral obligation** to protect the health and wellbeing of its citizens, particularly children," said Dr. Bawa. "We are hoping that the government will take our concerns seriously and take **decisive action** to address the problem of galamsey."
Government response
The government of Ghana has responded to the PSG's open letter, acknowledging the **seriousness** of the problem and promising to take **action** to address it. "We take the concerns of the Paediatric Society of Ghana very seriously, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to protect the health and wellbeing of our children," said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health. "We are working with other government agencies and stakeholders to **develop a comprehensive strategy** to stop galamsey activities and to provide support to children who have been affected by the practice." The government has also promised to **increase funding** for healthcare services in galamsey-affected communities and to **provide training** for healthcare workers on how to treat children who have been exposed to toxic substances.
"The government is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of all Ghanaians, particularly children. We will do everything in our power to stop galamsey activities and to provide support to children who have been affected by the practice. We urge all stakeholders to **work together** to address this problem and to ensure that our children have a **healthy and safe** environment to grow and develop." - Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health
While the government's response is **welcome news**, the PSG and other stakeholders are **cautiously optimistic** about the prospects for change. They point out that the government has made **similar promises** in the past, but has failed to deliver on them. "We hope that this time will be different," said Dr. Asante. "We are willing to **work with the government** to address the problem of galamsey, but we need to see **concrete action** and not just **empty promises**. The health and wellbeing of our children depend on it."
In conclusion, the Paediatric Society of Ghana's open letter to President Mahama highlights the **urgent need** for action to address the devastating effects of galamsey on children in Ghana. The society's call to action is a **wake-up call** for the government and all stakeholders to **work together** to protect the health and wellbeing of Ghanaian children. As the government develops its strategy to stop galamsey activities, it is essential that it **prioritizes the needs** of children and provides them with the **support and care** they need to thrive. The future of Ghana's children depends on it, and it is **imperative** that we take **decisive action** to ensure their health and wellbeing.
