Dr. Nana Afriyie Ayew, the Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore, has come under scrutiny and been reported to the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) following controversial remarks regarding illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
During a campaign event for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Ayew suggested that efforts to combat illegal mining could jeopardize the party’s chances in the upcoming elections, implying that it would lead them into opposition. His statements have sparked widespread backlash from Ghanaians and environmental activists alike.
As the Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr. Ayew alleged that the campaign against galamsey is a tactic used by political opponents to weaken the NPP, particularly in mining regions. He also claimed that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) was responsible for importing foreign nationals to engage in illegal mining activities, which have severely damaged Ghana’s water resources.
In a formal petition to the GMA, Dr. Samuel Ayeh, a fellow medical practitioner, argued that Dr. Ayew’s comments contradict the association’s official stance on illegal mining. On September 6, 2024, the GMA released a statement condemning galamsey and its negative effects on public health.
Dr. Ayeh’s petition stated, “These words are in sharp contradiction to the GMA’s position… where the association bemoaned the health hazards of illegal mining, condemning the menace in all its forms and calling on the government to ban all small-scale mining.”
The petition outlined the health risks linked to galamsey, emphasizing the hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide used in these operations, which contaminate water sources. He noted, “Illegal and unsafe mining… involves the use of teratogenic and carcinogenic chemicals… which are major sources of drinking water for many households in Ghana.” Furthermore, Dr. Ayeh highlighted the increasing instances of skin and respiratory diseases in areas affected by illegal mining, along with the shutdown of water treatment facilities in Cape Coast, Elmina, and Kyebi due to pollution in the Pra and Birim rivers.
Expressing disappointment in Dr. Ayew, Dr. Ayeh criticized him for making “retrogressive and irresponsible” comments as a medical professional fully aware of the associated health risks.
The petition urges the GMA to take immediate action by summoning Dr. Afriyie before its Disciplinary Committee to address these serious concerns.
