The use of chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which are often discarded into the rivers contaminate drinking water and kills fishes in the rivers. Many have died. Several others have been handicapped as a result of this. Along the Pra River and many others in mining communities across the country, this is evident in the large amount of dead shell fishes on riverbanks. These health effects and risks to life notwithstanding, the practice of galamsey continues in the mining communities. Its attraction to minors and the elderly is growing at a phenomenal pace. Now, foreigners have also taken over.
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At another end of the river, gold discovered by the Chinese is attracted to mercury, and until it's heated up, it has a silvery hue. The mercury and silt are then dumped back into the river when the miners are done. This is the same water local people use for washing and drinking.
http://www.modernghana.com/news/364486/1/deadly-scramble-for-gold.html
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