The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana branch, has raised the alarm over the deadly consequences of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on the nation’s water bodies and public health.

Dr Jerry Joe Harrison, General Secretary of UTAG-UG, speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Monday, September 15, cautioned that urgent collective action is required to avert a looming catastrophe.

“If we fail to act now, we shall all perish,” he declared.

“The water crisis is wreaking havoc in homes. In some areas, such as Kwanyako, people have no access to safe drinking water, and many families cannot even afford to buy water.”

Dr Harrison, a scientist, warned that prolonged exposure to contaminated water is certain to trigger severe long-term health conditions, including cancers and neurological disorders.

“People are consuming these polluted waters and will inevitably develop cancers and neuro-diseases. How is that not enough of an emergency?” he pressed.

He urged both the authorities and the wider public not to wait until visible health crises emerge before taking decisive action.

“Do we really want to sit idly by until 5 or 10 per cent of the population begin to show obvious neurological symptoms before moving? Certainly not,” he stressed.