The Africa President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Afua Eyeson Laoye, has expressed deep concern over the devastating effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on the health, education, and fundamental rights of girls in affected communities.
Her comments follow the airing of the latest Joy News documentary under its Dear Mahama anti-galamsey campaign, which exposed the plight of schoolgirls in Kwesitwikrom who are forced to use contaminated pond water during menstruation because their water sources have been polluted by illegal mining.
“For the girl child, it’s even more troubling because they have to deal with this while in school. And we know that in these areas, they are already handicapped with very few resources… I don’t think it’s fair for the girl child in those communities to be going through this,”
she said.
Afua Eyeson Laoye warned that the situation extends far beyond immediate health risks, cautioning that prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals could have long-term effects on fertility and overall population health if urgent action is not taken.
“Only God knows how this is going to affect our ability in the next few years. Fertility issues will automatically affect population issues,” she noted, urging the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health to implement a clear national response plan.
She likened the ongoing water contamination crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that it demands an even more urgent and coordinated national strategy.
“We are in a crisis situation. Just as during COVID we had direction on how to go about things, I think this is even more critical. Even the bottled and sachet water we drink in Accra is reportedly contaminated,”
she added.
Laoye also reminded government of its constitutional responsibility to guarantee access to clean and safe water, describing it as a fundamental human right that is currently being denied to many.
“Girls have a right to safe menstrual hygiene, and safe water is a key part of that. We are calling on the government and state agencies to give us clear direction and immediate action,”
she emphasised.
The Dear Mahama campaign by Joy News continues to uncover the widespread environmental and social consequences of illegal mining across Ghana — from polluted rivers and destroyed farmlands to severe public health risks that disproportionately affect women and children.
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