Mercury pollution: A creeping menace in the country

Gold mining is a significant source of mercury pollution in the world and Ghana is no exception with the increase in galamsey operations. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, artisanal and small-scale gold mining release approximately 400 metric tons of airborne elemental mercury each year. These pollute our numerous water bodies which serve as sources of drinking water for major cities and towns in the country, leading to untold hardships in our various communities. There is the need, therefore, to curb the importation and use of mercury in the country as we are all at risk. The Ghana Environmental Protection Agency could also check and let the citizenry know of the mercury levels in the various rivers, especially in those passing through mining areas. http://graphic.com.gh/features/features/23366-mercury-pollution-a-creeping-menace-in-the-country.html