Stronger, sustained action required against galamsey threat - GMA urges government

Pressure is mounting on the government as the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) calls for intensified efforts in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 67th Annual General Conference, the association acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts but insisted that these measures must be strengthened and sustained.

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The GMA highlighted the existential threat posed by illegal mining, citing the pollution of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and other severe environmental and health impacts.

“Illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) remains a persistent threat to lives of many people in their catchment areas and beyond. Galamsey illustrates the dominance of short-term greed over national foresight, as individuals and financiers pursue quick gains at the expense of environmental survival.

“Its continued spread has led to poisoned rivers, degraded farmlands, and a profound betrayal of future generations, trapping the nation in a cycle of self-inflicted destruction. The GMA acknowledges efforts by the government in addressing the problem but calls for these efforts to be intensified and sustained,” the statement said.

The association also raised concerns about other national issues, including challenges with the electronic medical records system, conditions of service for medical doctors and dentists, among others.

On the electronic medical records system, the GMA argued that the challenges with the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS) do not adequately protect patient safety.

It added that the issues with LHIMS highlight serious concerns regarding “data security and data sovereignty in the management of electronic medical records.”

The association has therefore called on the government to accelerate the rollout of the Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS), which it believes will ensure the swift restoration of patients’ health records.

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“… The GMA calls on government to expedite the rollout of Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS) to ensure the timely restoration of health records. The GMA further demands that government explores all legal avenues to ensure the full restoration of all records previously held by LHIMS,” it added.

MAG/MA

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