Children might be at greater risk of developing diabetes due to pollution from illegal mining activities. This warning comes from public health expert Dr. Benson Owusu.
He stated that toxic heavy metals from galamsey operations and smoke from open burning can contaminate the environment. Children are particularly vulnerable to these harmful substances.
Dr. Owusu believes this exposure increases the likelihood of children developing diabetes and other serious illnesses. This is a growing concern for public health officials.
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has already reported over 5,000 cases related to such health issues. The exact number of diabetes cases directly linked to galamsey exposure is still being studied.
Official health bodies are monitoring the situation. Further research is needed to fully understand the long term effects of this contamination on young lives.