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Mr Precious Agbenya, An Environmentalist and Political analyst has expressed concern over the devastating effects of illegal mining in our water bodies and Forest Reserves.
According to him, the contamination water bodies with toxic chemicals used in gold mining poses an alarming threat to the public health and the environment.
He disclosed that the hazardous substances infiltrate our water sources, leading to severe health issues such as skin irritations, cardiovascular diseases, and an increasing incidence of cancers. He indicated that the implications extend far beyond immediate health concerns, the very fabric of our communities is at stake.
Speaking with the media, he revealed that his visit to a laundry recently where a clean fabric is supposed to look like yellowish brown, a fabric that had been washed with water supplied to our homes.
He said a stark difference vividly illustrates the toll that contaminated water takes on our daily lives and the health risks we unknowingly face.
According to him, the NPP driven by greed and a focus on short-term gains, demonstrates a disturbing disregard for the well-being of the people of Ghana. He is of the view that their policies prioritize profit over the health of citizens, allowing mining corporations to poison our water bodies and devastate our natural resources.
He said the reckless pursuit not only renders our water acidic, threatening marine life, but also compromises the ecosystems that sustain our fisheries. As freshwater sources become increasingly undrinkable, we face a looming crisis where access to clean drinking water could become a rare privilege, leading to widespread dehydration and disease.
He disclosed that the consequences of this environmental degradation are dire, Waterborne diseases like typhoid fever are on the rise, exacerbated by the contamination of drinking water.
He reiterated that Malaria continues to claim lives, with polluted water creating stagnant pools that serve as breeding grounds for disease-carrying by mosquitoes.
He said the broader impacts of deforestation and noise pollution contribute to a deteriorating quality of life.
The Environmentalist said the relentless destruction of our forests leads to the extinction of wildlife, disrupting ecosystems and diminishing biodiversity. This loss he said not only represents an environmental tragedy but also endangers human health, as we lose natural barriers to disease and the benefits of a balanced ecosystem.
According to him, as we confront these threats, it is crucial to recognize the grave dangers posed by the NPP’s short-sightedness and greed.
The health of our communities, the integrity of our ecosystems, and the future of our nation hang in the balance and must stand united against the exploitation and advocate for a sustainable future that prioritizes the well-being of our people and our environment.
He expressed the view that the time for complacency has passed; and our very survival depends on the choices we make today.
