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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 linking at least 500 cases of spontaneous abortions in Ghana to heavy metal contamination in the placenta caused by illegal mining (galamsey).
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, 2025, Prof. Sampene described galamsey as a silent killer poisoning unborn babies and putting mothers’ lives at risk.
“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 examined more than 4,000 placentas from across Ghana, showing that both the maternal and foetal sides were contaminated with dangerous heavy metals.
“The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he stressed.
Rising Kidney Diseases and Birth Defects
Prof. Sampene cautioned that galamsey’s dangers extend beyond pregnancy, noting a surge in kidney-related diseases and congenital deformities.
“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.
He added that medical officers in mining areas have confirmed increasing cases of birth defects, though many remain silent for fear of backlash.
Galamsey’s Wider Public Health Toll
Prof. Sampene has studied galamsey’s impact since 2019 and lamented the lack of urgency among political leaders, accusing them of politicising what should be treated as a national health emergency.
“Sometimes I feel very sad indeed when politicians come to sit on air and try to tell us who did what and who is doing what. It saddens my heart. Galamsey is really killing us,” he said.
He also cited KATH records from 2019-2021, which showed that drowning accounted for 40% of unnatural deaths in the Ashanti Region, 25% of which were linked to abandoned galamsey pits.
Polluted Water and Long-Term Risks
Prof. Sampene further warned about the dangers of using alum (aluminium hydroxide) to treat heavily polluted water.
“It is going to cause kidney problems, mutations in the respiratory tract, and Alzheimer’s disease. These are proven health risks,” he cautioned.
Call for a United National Response
The pathologist urged the NDC and NPP to set aside partisanship and work together to end illegal mining, warning of dire future consequences.
“If care is not taken, we will soon see people walking but with very high cognitive impairment. Mercury inhalation alone can damage the brain. We are seriously in trouble,” he warned.
Prof. Sampene’s findings underscore the urgent need for a coordinated national response to the devastating health crisis triggered by illegal mining, which threatens not just today’s population but future generations.
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