Forensic Histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof Dr Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming findings from his ongoing research, linking at least 500 cases of spontaneous abortions in Ghana to high levels of heavy metals in the placenta caused by illegal mining (galamsey) activities.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and endangering the lives of mothers.
“I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed.
According to him, his research involved over 4,000 placentas examined from different regions across Ghana. The results showed dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and foetal sides.
“The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he said.
Rising Cases of Kidney Disease and Birth Defects
Prof. Sampene cautioned that the health effects extend far beyond pregnancy loss.
“Do we have what it takes to even solve the kidney diseases that are coming out now? Dialysis is very expensive, and nobody gets it for free. Children are also being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. These are the realities we have to face,” he stated.
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