A study by researchers at Koforidua Technical University and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has uncovered high levels of cyanide and lead in cassava produced from reclaimed gold mining lands in Pameng and Gyadam in the Eastern Region.

Illegal mining activities, locally known as galamsey, have become a major threat to environmental safety, leading to water pollution and leaving dangerous metals in rivers.

During the research, standard laboratory methods were used. The team compared cassava from reclaimed mining sites with those from non-mining fields, testing for moisture, fat, protein, heavy metals, and cyanide.

Illegal Mining: Ghana requires billions to reclaim, restore degraded lands - EPA

Their findings revealed that while nutrient levels such as fat and protein were high, the cassava was also contaminated with disturbing levels of cyanide.

It was further disclosed that such contamination could cause dangerous diseases, including cancer, anaemia, paralysis, and mental health issues, posing serious risks to humans.

“We cut open the cassava, dried it, and began the laboratory analysis. The toxic heavy metals are dense and difficult to remove or wash away. After consumption, consumers have a tendency to undergo oxidation; radicals that can cause cancers, paralysis-linked neurological diseases, and dysfunction.

“Infants may suffer from anaemia, constipation, and fatigue, as well as mental issues and dysfunction of the respiratory system,” researcher Dr Gyau Akyereko said, as reported by myjoyonline.com.

In efforts to combat illegal mining, the government has set up a task force to deal with miners and introduced strategies to reclaim mine lands for safe use.

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Meanwhile, watch as Acting Defence Minister Ato Forson inaugurates 9-Member Ministerial Advisory Board