Dr Bortey links stroke, kidney failure, others to food and water contamination via galamsey Private medical practitioner, Dr Dennis Bortey, has expressed grave concern over the long-term health implications of illegal mining, popularly known as "galamsey," on Ghana's food chain and water systems.
He warned that the pervasive presence of toxic heavy metals in food and water poses a severe national health threat, already manifesting in rising cases of serious illnesses among young people.
In a TV3 video posted on X on July 2, 2025, Dr Bortey described the situation as "heartbreaking," highlighting the alarming quantum of heavy metals contaminating Ghana's food supply. "It's heartbreaking to see what is going on in terms of the quantum of these heavy metals our food is laced with," he said.
He explained that while certain trace elements like iron, zinc, and magnesium are essential for the human body in small amounts, excessive levels become highly toxic. "Iron, for instance, helps increase blood levels, but beyond a certain point, it becomes poisonous and can lead to conditions like hemochromatosis," he explained.
