There is growing concern among food scientists and health experts in Ghana regarding an anticipated rise in cancer cases.
They attribute this increase to widespread food contamination caused by illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
These activities have led to severe environmental degradation. Recent studies have revealed high levels of heavy metal residues in crops available in local markets, which pose direct health risks.
Senior lecturers at the Department of Food Science and Technology of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have established a clear link between food contamination and the rising incidence of various cancers in the country.
Dr. Herman Lutterodt, a prominent food scientist at KNUST, emphasized the severe implications of galamsey on food safety.
He highlighted that contamination from galamsey activities seeps into water bodies and soil, subsequently entering the food chain.
Crops such as cassava and cocoyam, staples in the Ghanaian diet, absorb these toxic metals, many of which are carcinogenic.
This raises significant concerns that these contaminants could be contributing to the rise in cancer cases.
Dr. Lutterodt also criticized the hygiene standards in Ghanaian markets, citing them as exacerbating factors in food contamination.
To mitigate health risks, he advocated for stricter regulations on agricultural chemicals and a ban on certain types of plastic packaging. Dr. Abena Boakye, another senior lecturer at KNUST, echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the inappropriate use of plastics in food packaging and its potential health hazards.
She emphasized educating vendors on best practices to ensure food safety, from display to consumption.
She highlighted the severe risks posed by improper packaging, especially the use of plastics unsuitable for hot food.
Their efforts aim to promote safer food handling practices across the board.
Dr Frank Adu Asante, Deputy Managing Director of Cocoa Processing Company Limited, also expressed additional concerns about the impact of illegal mining on cocoa production and outlined collaborative efforts to innovate and reduce chocolate prices.
As Ghana grapples with these escalating health challenges, experts emphasize the urgent need for coordinated efforts to curb illegal mining activities and implement stringent food safety measures to safeguard public health.
