Illiegal Mining Is Alarming Increasing Breast Cancer Case In Eastern Region….Dr. WiafeI Addai Warns

A recent study has established a disturbing link between the environmental contamination caused by illegal mining (“galamsey”) and the alarming increase in breast cancer cases in the Eastern Region.

This stark warning was issued by Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals and Founder of Breast Care International, during an oncology training workshop held in Kumasi for journalists from the Eastern region.

Dr. Wiafe Addai revealed that research conducted in collaboration with the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Somanya and sponsored by Teva Pharmaceuticals has found that toxic chemicals utilized in illegal mining have severely polluted water sources in the Eastern Region.

This contamination, she asserted, is a significant factor driving the surge in breast cancer diagnoses, particularly in communities located near mining operations.

She emphasized that this is no longer speculation; the data speaks for itself and that they’re seeing a clear and dangerous link between galamsey and the rise in cancer cases.

Dr.Wiafe Addai expressed concern over the high rate of late-stage breast cancer diagnoses in the region, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of treatment and survival rates.

Dr. Wiafe Addai attributed this partly to a lack of awareness and limited access to clean environments and adequate healthcare.

Dr. Wiafe Addai urged the government, civil society organizations, NGOs, and philanthropists to invest in local research initiatives.

She highlighted the importance of locally-driven studies in generating relevant data that directly benefits Ghanaian communities.

Furthermore, she challenged media practitioners to actively combat both cancer and illegal mining by using their platforms to educate the public, advocate for change, and hold stakeholders accountable.

DR. BEATRICE WIAFE ADDAI ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT ON RESEARCH.

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