The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilson-Nanlebegtang, has called for an end to illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey,” citing its harmful effects on the environment and human health.
The Overlord of the Talensi Traditional Area stressed the dangers associated with illegal mining, particularly the use of toxic chemicals like mercury. The chief made this clarion call during a ceremony where a dialysis machine was donated to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital by Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited.
“As all of us know, ailments that we have and bring here [hospital] have caused. Some of the causes are the impact of mining, whereupon they come across dangerous chemicals, particularly the group that we call ‘galamseyers’, that is illegal miners. Mercury should not be ingested nor also be allowed to dominate your skin. If you do so, you are endangering yourselves by way of eventually hurting your organs, some are your kidneys. I would like to appeal to our sons and children, brothers and sisters who are engaged in these illegal mining activities to ensure that they stop illegal mining and stop using mercury which will injure them at the end of it. After all, what is the use of having money when you have no good health”, he appealed.
The ceremony, which took place at the Upper East Regional Hospital, was held to mark the donation of a dialysis machine and essential consumables, valued at GH¢466,505.00, by Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited, a subsidiary of Shandong Gold Group. The donation was the result of a request made by the chief himself to support the hospital’s growing need for dialysis treatment.
Tongraan Kugbilson-Nanlebegtang commended Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited for their positive response to his appeal and called on other corporate entities to follow suit in addressing key social challenges. The dialysis machine will significantly improve healthcare for patients suffering from kidney diseases in the Upper East Region and beyond.
Dr. Aiden Suntaa Saanwie, Medical Director of the Upper East Regional Hospital, expressed gratitude to the chief and the mining company, acknowledging that the dialysis unit has already served 15 regular patients and conducted 137 sessions since its unofficial start in May 2024.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
