The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSG) has issued a dire warning to the government, stressing that the country risks being forced to import water to support local pharmaceutical production if urgent action is not taken to address the rampant illegal mining activities devastating the nation’s water bodies.
At its 2024 annual general meeting, the PSG sounded the alarm on the catastrophic consequences of illegal mining on the environment, particularly on water sources crucial for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The society emphasized that the treatment of water for local production of pharmaceutical products has become increasingly expensive due to the severe pollution caused by illegal mining.
According to PSG President, Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, Ghana’s local manufacturers currently produce all the infusions needed in the country, but they require quality water to do so.
However, the pollution from illegal mining activities has rendered the available water sources unusable, necessitating expensive treatment processes.
“The activities of illegal miners have devastated our water bodies, making it increasingly expensive for pharmaceutical companies to treat water for their manufacturing processes,” Dr. Donkoh lamented. “Ghana currently enjoys self-sufficiency in local production of infusions, but illegal mining threatens this achievement.”
The PSG warned that if the government fails to take decisive action to halt illegal mining, Ghana may soon face the grim reality of importing water to support its local manufacturing industry.
This would not only exacerbate the already high cost of medicines but also undermine the country’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical production.
The society urged the government to implement stringent measures to tackle illegal mining activities, which pose a significant threat to the sources of water used for various purposes.
The PSG emphasized that the continued environmental degradation would have far-reaching consequences, including increased costs of medicines and diminished access to essential healthcare services.
Dr. Donkoh noted that the pollution from illegal mining activities is so severe that expensive technology is required to treat the water, contributing to the high cost of medicines.
He stressed that the PSG is committed to working with the government to find sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry.
However, the society emphasized that the government must take the lead in addressing the illegal mining menace.
The PSG called for urgent decisive action to protect Ghana’s water resources and ensure the long-term viability of the local pharmaceutical industry.
As Ghana grapples with the challenges of illegal mining, the PSG’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action. The government, civil society organizations, and stakeholders must work together to safeguard the nation’s water resources and protect the health and well-being of its citizens.
The consequences of inaction would be dire, with far-reaching implications for Ghana’s healthcare system, economy, and environment.
It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address the illegal mining issue and ensures the sustainability of the local pharmaceutical industry.
