The former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Frimpong Boateng, is advising the general public to desist from consuming vegetables grown in illegal mining communities.
He says these vegetables have been polluted with toxins used by the illegal miners hence it is harmful to one health.
He made this revelation on Skyy Power FM’s Jolly Breakfast Show on Thursday, December 7.
He said, “I’m not the first person saying this, medical experts have done research and have come out with a report on these claims.”
“Illegal mining areas are poisoned with toxins like mercury and lead which these vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, sunflower, extract to grow and they become poisonous for humans since the vegetables have these chemicals in them.”
“We should try consuming vegetables from areas that are not plagued with illegal mining like the Northern Region, Greater Accra and other parts of the country.”
He mentioned some of the negative effects of illegal mining on people and the environment, stating that animals also suffer from its effects.
“Ilegal mining is not only affecting humans but animals as well, their homes are being destroyed and because of that they have to move to new locations, the water bodies are being poisoned and fishes are dying and both animals and humans cannot drink these waters as well.”
“Now they cannot even lay eggs on the grounds again, vultures have all migrated which is affecting the environment because they play a very important role in the environment.”
“It is dangerous to humans as well and the mining pits are death traps to them.”
