Dr. Nana Esi Gaisie-Tetteh, a respected public health advocate, has raised urgent concerns about the ongoing pollution of water sources, labeling it a reckless threat to health and environmental sustainability. She asserts that water is not only essential for survival but also a fundamental component of child development.
“Water constitutes 60% of an adult’s body and an astonishing 75% of an infant’s body, underscoring its critical importance for the health of our youth. Vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and lungs rely heavily on adequate hydration,” Dr. Gaisie-Tetteh explained.
She emphasized the role of water in various physiological processes, including digestion, nutrient absorption, and thermoregulation. “If we persist in allowing pollution to contaminate our water supplies, what safe alternatives can replace this essential resource?” she questioned.
In her remarks, Dr. Gaisie-Tetteh focused on the detrimental impact of illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as “galamsey.” “The call for decisive action to protect our water bodies has never been more urgent. History will remember those who choose silence over action in this critical moment.”
Highlighting the specific dangers faced by children, she noted that exposure to toxic substances like mercury from illegal mining poses significant health risks. “The negative effects of these pollutants cannot be overstated, particularly for our youngest and most vulnerable citizens,” she added.
Dr. Gaisie-Tetteh also pointed out the broader implications of water contamination on agriculture, citing reports of crops like yam testing positive for harmful heavy metals. She warned that this contamination threatens food security and nutrition, particularly among children.
According to UNICEF’s 2019 State of the World’s Children report, one in ten children under five in Ghana is underweight, while one in five suffers from stunting. Dr. Gaisie-Tetteh cautioned that the ongoing threats to water and food security could exacerbate these alarming statistics.
“The health and future of our children are at stake,” she concluded. “If we fail to address the challenges posed by illegal mining and water pollution, we risk undoing all the advancements we have made in child health. Immediate action is essential to ensure a healthier future for generations to come.”
