Toxic cassava from Ghana’s mining lands poses severe health risks to communities
A recent study has revealed concerning levels of cyanide and lead in cassava cultivated on reclaimed gold mining lands. The research centered on farms in Pameng and Gyadam, both in Ghana’s Eastern Region. These findings raise concerns about food safety in areas affected by illegal mining.
The study contrasted cassava from former mining sites with crops grown in non-mining fields. Researchers analyzed samples for moisture, fat, protein, heavy metals, and cyanide. While cassava from mining areas displayed higher nutrient levels, it also contained hazardous amounts of cyanide and lead.
Illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has long contaminated water sources and left toxic metals in the soil. The contaminated cassava presents serious health risks, including cancer, anemia, paralysis, and mental health disorders. Infants are particularly susceptible to these effects. The research was a collaborative effort by Koforidua Technical University and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Their findings emphasize the enduring damage caused by unregulated mining to both the environment and public health.
The detection of toxic substances in cassava underscores the perils of consuming crops from polluted lands. Health authorities may need to intervene to avert further exposure. Farmers and communities in affected regions now confront urgent queries about food safety and long-term health impacts.
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