Heavy metals from galamsey contaminate Ghana's treated water, contributing to kidney disease surge
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Dr. Kingsley Amoah, a nephrologist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has warned that toxic heavy metals from illegal mining, known as galamsey, are infiltrating Ghana's treated water supply. This contamination is reportedly fueling a rise in kidney disease cases. Dr. Amoah stated that the heavy metals are now reaching "almost every home supplied by Ghana Water," extending beyond the immediate mining areas. The hospital is experiencing a weekly increase in new kidney patients, many of whom arrive at late stages of the disease, specifically chronic kidney disease stage five, where treatment options are limited to dialysis or transplantation. He emphasized that this issue is widespread across the country. Dr. Amoah urged the public to prioritize regular medical checkups and annual health screenings for early detection and prevention of kidney failure, alongside lifestyle changes and physical exercise.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Benjamin Anani Quashie, Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, has addressed discrepancies surrounding the killing of a Ghanaian national in South Africa. Speaking on July 4, 2026, Quashie stated that the deceased's correct name is Bashiru Isak, a 40-year-old tailor, contradicting an initial report by the South African Police Service SAPS that identified the victim as Kwabena Boakye, 35. The High Commission challenged the police's initial report, leading to their confirmation of the error, though the official case file has not yet been updated. Quashie also clarified that the incident occurred in Khayelitsha, with Nyanga being a town within that area, resolving a perceived contradiction in location reports. He noted challenges in gathering information due to fear among Ghanaians in Cape Town, who are often on edge due to frequent violent crimes. The High Commissioner also expressed concern over ongoing anti-immigration demonstrations in Pretoria, which have led to the closure of many Ghanaian-owned businesses. He urged the South African government to ensure security during these protests. Bashiru Isak was shot dead on June 30, 2026, during anti-immigrant protests targeting foreign nationals, and Ghana has called for a full investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
Professor Martin Oteng-Ababio, a senior urban planning expert and Board Chairman of the Forest Plantation Development Fund, has urged the government to immediately ban unplanned residential development on hilltops. He warned that indiscriminate clearing of vegetation on hills for housing exposes communities to mudflows, landslides, and severe erosion, especially with intensifying rainfall, creating conditions for a major environmental disaster. Prof. Oteng-Ababio cautioned that continued development on hills like Aburi, Bortianor, and McCarthy ranges without proper planning poses a serious threat, as vegetation removal leaves topsoil vulnerable to erosion. He highlighted that many hills being developed are near earthquake fault zones, increasing risks. He also noted that between 92 and 95 percent of some hilly landscapes in Accra are unsuitable for residential development, yet construction persists. Prof. Oteng-Ababio stated that perennial flooding in Accra is exacerbated by the destruction of hillsides and wetlands, as vegetation removal accelerates stormwater runoff and silt from degraded slopes clogs drains. He attributed the problem to weak enforcement of planning regulations and poor coordination among land administration institutions. He called for stricter enforcement of planning laws, restoration of degraded hilltops and wetlands, and sanctions against officials who approve developments in environmentally sensitive areas.
Ghana's Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has submitted the Tribunal Bill, 2026, to Parliament. This proposed legislation aims to activate constitutional provisions that have been largely unused since the 1992 Constitution was enacted. The bill, which has completed its first reading, seeks to establish a new tribunal system that would operate alongside the existing courts but under judicial supervision. The government's objective is to alleviate pressure on the courts, reduce case adjudication delays, and encourage broader citizen involvement in justice administration. The bill outlines a two-tier structure comprising Regional Tribunals and District Tribunals. Regional Tribunals would handle certain criminal cases currently heard by the High Court, including economic crimes, narcotics offenses, tax offenses, customs violations, and cases involving the loss of state funds or property. District Tribunals would share jurisdiction with Circuit Courts over selected criminal offenses. However, the bill specifically excludes treason, capital offenses, and other cases requiring indictment, as well as constitutional interpretation cases under Article 130 and human rights violations. The legislation also introduces safeguards such as appellate review, oversight mechanisms, and clear rules for the appointment, discipline, retirement, and removal of tribunal members, aiming to create a modern tribunal system grounded in constitutional protections, due process,