Vice President of the Ghana Medical Association, Prof. Ernest Yoke, has revealed that a significant portion of the food sold on the market today could potentially be contaminated due to illegal mining activities in rural areas.

He stated that research conducted by association members has shown that various food products and livestock have been impacted by these pollutants.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on September 7, Prof. Yoke emphasized the need for immediate and collective action to eliminate this threat.

He stressed that until illegal mining, also known as galamsey, is completely stopped, no one is truly safe.

“There are tons of publications that suggest that it has gone beyond just the immediate environs of the galamsey. It is coming to town."So you live in Accra and you think you are safe, I tell you go to Agblobloshie, you go to Mallam Atta to buy food it is coming home,” he said.Prof. Yoke also cautioned that prolonged consumption of these contaminated foods could lead to damage to essential organs.

He suggested that the recent increase in kidney-related illnesses could be connected to the environmental impact of illegal mining.

The GMA vice president reiterated that the public remains at risk until galamsey is completely eradicated.