In the heart of Ghana's Upper East Region, a troubling correlation between illegal mining activities and the rising number of tuberculosis cases has come to light.
The Nabdam and Talensi Districts, known for their bustling mining operations, have emerged as the epicenter of this alarming health crisis, with the Ghana Health Service Regional TB/HIV Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Inusah Wahab Laar, sounding the alarm.
While the mining operations have drawn attention to their environmental impacts, the impact on public health is now taking center stage.
According to Mr Laar, the inhalation of polluted air laden with toxic particles from the mining sites isn't the sole cause of the escalating tuberculosis cases.
However, it undoubtedly plays a significant role in exacerbating the incidence of tuberculosis (TB).
Moreover, Mr Laar pointed out that TB is particularly prevalent among those who smoke and individuals who fail to meet the minimum nutritional requirements for maintaining robust health.
The combination of polluted air and suboptimal nutritional status seems to create a perfect storm for the spread of tuberculosis.
In a shocking revelation, the Nabdam District, notorious for rampant illegal small-scale mining, reported an astonishing 66 cases of tuberculosis within the span of just eight months (from January 2023 to August 2023).
The Talensi District, hosting a mix of both illegal and legal mining operations, closely followed with 64 cases, cementing the role of mining activities in the tuberculosis surge.
Mr Laar emphasized these distressing findings during an interview. He urged all stakeholders to approach the battle against tuberculosis with utmost seriousness, particularly in mining communities.
The need for immediate action to safeguard public health is paramount, and he implored authorities to enforce stringent regulations on mining practices to curb pollution.