Residents of the Western Regional town of Samreboi have called for an end to illegal mining, popularly called ‘galamsey ‘after a community viewing of the ‘Poisoned for Gold’ documentary on Friday, January 12.

Some who were watching the documentary for the first time expressed shock at the devastating impact of Galamsey on public health highlighted in the Joynews expose.

Residents wanted chiefs and community leaders to do more in enforcing laws and leading advocacy to stop illegal mining in the community. 

The programme marked the commencement of the “Poison for Gold”Community Tour, which is part of the USAGM media project on Nature Crimes in Ghana, supported by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of Conservation and Water.

It is driven by the Multimedia Group through its diverse media platforms.

The tour is aimed at reaching remote communities affected by nature crimes and is expected to be replicated in three more locations.

It involves the public viewing of the ‘Poisoned for Gold’ documentary produced by Erastus Asare Donkor translated into Twi for the local community audience.

The programme also includes a community engagement with community leaders, residents and health professionals on the dangers of illegal mining.

Friday’s community engagement enlightened over a hundred residents on the health effects of the irresponsible mining which has engulfed Samreboï.

The day of the event started with an interview on the effects of illegal mining with Erastus Asare Donkor and Green Gold Radio’s Nana Kaakyire.

Some of the participants expressed shock at how heavy metals from uncontrolled mining affect even the unborn.

“It is painful to learn that it is possible that after a nine-month pregnancy journey, contamination from Galamsey can cause my child to be deformed,” one woman said.

“Some of us have lost our farms to Galamsey. I decided not to sell my farm to them but the Chinese miners have dug around my cocoa farm causing it to flood when it rains.” A farmer complained.

While some of the participants blamed chiefs for the Galamsey menace, others blamed lack of political will in fighting the canker.

 GJA Journalist of the Year, Erastus Asare Donkor noted he is excited about the opportunity to connect with communities affected by the activities of illegal miners.

“The JoyNews' 'Poisoned for Gold' documentary, translated into Twi, facilitated a deeper understanding of the full impact of illegal mining on local lives and communities. As we saw today, the community has been awoken by the revelations in the documentary and are calling for action from their leaders.” He said.

“This is a crucial step in transforming the attitudes and mindsets of communities overwhelmed by illegal mining activities.”

The event, brought together community leaders, stakeholders, and medical professionals to discuss solutions to galamsey and its health effects in the area.

Dr. Yusuf Tijani who has been seeing a number of patients affected by ailments linked to irresponsible mining called for a serious view of Galamsey across the country.

“We are now seeing young children with stroke. Young people are coming in with chronic kidney-related diseases and when you go into their history you realize they are into Galamsey. We must treat this with more seriousness,” he warned.

Media partners for the event include JoyNews, Adom TV, Joy FM, Luv FM, Nhyira FM, with additional support from Royal FM, Ahobraseye FM, Velvet Beam Radio, Tricky FM, Max FM, Asona FM, Green Gold Radio, and TV.