Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore, Dr Nana Afriyie Ayew has been dragged to the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) over some comments regarding illegal mining.

During one of the NPP's campaign events, the medical doctor indicated that fighting illegal mining, also known as galamsey, will lead the party into opposition.

His comment has already drawn widespread criticism from a section of Ghanaians and environmental activists.

Wait what? #FreeTheCitizens

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— Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) September 27, 2024

Speaking at a campaign event ahead of the elections, Dr Ayew, who also doubles as the Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, suggested that the galamsey agenda was being pushed by political opponents to undermine the NPP's chances of winning the election, especially in mining areas.

• Read also: Galamsey: Anyone who doesn’t think about the environment shouldn’t be in political office – Awula Serwaa

He vowed that the NPP was not going to stop illegal mining now or in the foreseeable future, claiming that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) imported foreign nationals to engage in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has significantly harmed Ghana's water bodies.

In a petition to the GMA, a medical practitioner, Samuel Ayeh indicated that Dr. Afriyie’s stance directly contradicts the GMA’s position on illegal mining, as outlined in a press release on September 6, 2024, where the association condemned galamsey and its detrimental impact on public health.

• Read Also: Galamsey: NDC imported foreigners to destroy our water bodies – NPP MP alleges

“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,” Dr. Ayeh stated in his petition.

The petition emphasised the health dangers associated with galamsey, highlighting the use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which contaminate water bodies.

"Illegal and unsafe mining… involves the use of teratogenic and carcinogenic chemicals… which are major sources of drinking water for many households in Ghana," Dr. Ayeh wrote. He also noted the growing cases of skin and respiratory diseases in galamsey-affected areas, as well as the shutdown of water treatment facilities in Cape Coast, Elmina, and Kyebi due to pollution of the Pra and Birim rivers.

Dr. Ayeh expressed disappointment that a medical professional with full knowledge of the health risks associated with galamsey would make such "retrogressive and irresponsible" comments.

The petition calls for the GMA to take immediate action, summoning Dr. Afriyie before the Disciplinary Committee to address the matter.

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