The Medical Superintendent of the Manso-Nkwanta Government Hospital, Dr. Afua Amankwaah, has raised concerns about the growing number of young people struggling with mental illness in Amansie West. She attributes the trend to substance abuse and heavy drinking linked to illegal small-scale mining, also known as galamsey. Dr. Amankwaah made these remarks at a thanksgiving and appreciation day organized by the hospital.
According to Dr. Amankwaah, the rise in mental health cases among youth in the district is linked to drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and activities associated with galamsey. She called on the Narcotics Control Commission to intensify public education and enforcement against drug abuse, particularly among young people in the area. Dr. Amankwaah also urged stakeholders to strengthen preventive measures to shield the youth from the harmful effects of drugs and heavy drinking.
The medical superintendent flagged other health hazards linked to mining in the district, including the risk of malaria due to abandoned mining pits becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes. She also warned that exposure to toxic heavy metals such as mercury and lead from mining activities could cause kidney damage and other serious illnesses. Dr. Amankwaah encouraged residents in mining communities to go for regular medical check-ups, saying early detection improves the chances of effective treatment.
Dr. Amankwaah's warning comes as the country is witnessing an ongoing military operation against illegal mining. The campaign has raised questions about its effectiveness, with environmental activist Awula Serwah pressing officials on why illegal mining persists despite the military's presence in galamsey-hit areas. A journalist has also alleged that police officers face transfers and pressure from district chief executives for cracking down on the illegal trade.
The hospital event where Dr. Amankwaah spoke also doubled as a health outreach, offering residents screening, surgery, and National Health Insurance Scheme registration. At the same event, Senior Doctor Patrick Sasu-Anim urged patients who had been advised to undergo surgery not to let fear stand in the way of treatment, saying timely procedures could save lives. Beneficiaries of the outreach thanked the organizers for the access to healthcare services provided during the exercise.
The issue of galamsey has received significant attention in Ghana, particularly regarding its environmental impact. However, Dr. Amankwaah's remarks add a new dimension to the debate, highlighting the toll of galamsey on the mental wellbeing of young people drawn into mining communities. The Medical Superintendent's call for action underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue.
The Amansie West Health Directorate has raised an alarm over the rising mental health cases among youth, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address the issue. The directorate's concerns echo Dr. Amankwaah's warnings, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of mental health issues in the district. Key stakeholders are expected to engage in discussions to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of galamsey on the mental health of young people.
Key points
- Substance abuse and heavy drinking linked to galamsey are driving a rise in mental health cases among young people in Amansie West.
- Dr. Afua Amankwaah called for intensified public education and enforcement against drug abuse, particularly among young people in the area.
- The issue of galamsey has significant implications for the mental wellbeing of young people in mining communities, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue.
