Health expert warns galamsey pollution could trigger diabetes in Children
9th March 2026
A public health expert, Benson Owusu, has raised concerns about the growing exposure of children to toxic heavy metals from illegal mining and open burning, warning that the situation could increase the risk of diabetes and other serious diseases.
Dr. Owusu, a lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Central University, said contamination linked to Galamsey and air pollution is gradually becoming a major public health threat.
According to him, heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic can enter the body through contaminated food, water and air, damaging vital organs and increasing the likelihood of chronic illnesses.
Data from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital shows that the facility recorded more than 5,000 cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the first half of 2025 alone. These included complicated diabetes referrals and over 2,000 kidney-related cases, highlighting the growing burden of such conditions.
Dr. Owusu explained that exposure to toxic metals can damage the pancreas, the organ responsible for regulating blood sugar levels, potentially triggering conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus, including Type 1 diabetes in children.
He noted that affected children may show symptoms such as persistent hunger, excessive thirst, frequent urination and unexplained weight loss, as their bodies struggle to properly convert food into energy.
The public health expert also warned that untreated diabetes can result in severe complications, including blindness, kidney failure and hypertension, as the disease gradually damages blood vessels and other organs.
He further highlighted the health risks posed by open burning at places such as Agbogbloshie, where thick smoke and toxic fumes are frequently released into the atmosphere.
According to Dr. Owusu, inhaling such polluted air allows harmful particles to enter the bloodstream through the lungs, further affecting organs involved in blood sugar regulation.
To reduce the risks, he advised parents to monitor the food their children consume, encourage regular physical activity and rely on products approved by the Food and Drugs Authority.
He stressed that the warning underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement against illegal mining and environmental pollution, as well as greater public awareness to protect the health of children and future generations.