Traders at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra have dismissed findings from a recent study that linked popular food crops to mercury and heavy metal contamination in Ghana’s mining-affected areas.
The study, conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with UK-based NGO Africa Pure Earth, revealed that crops such as taro leaves (kontomire), tomatoes, coconuts, and other vegetables from six regions, ie Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Central, and Savannah, showed signs of exposure to harmful substances traced to illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
While the report has raised alarm over food safety and public health, market traders argue that the claims are exaggerated and damaging to their livelihoods.
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“If kontomire is contaminated by galamsey, what about cassava? The report is a complete falsehood, and it’s affecting our businesses badly,” said Mavis Merley, a trader at the market, as quoted by citinewsroom.com.
Vendors of cabbage and lettuce also questioned the study’s findings, insisting that their cultivation practices prevent contamination.
“There’s no way cabbage or other vegetables could absorb polluted water. If that were the case, they wouldn’t survive at all,” argued Rebecca Kufour, who sells at the market.
Some shoppers sided with the traders, saying the produce looked fresh and safe.
“Washing vegetables properly before cooking makes them safe enough for me,” Linda, a customer, reportedly said.
However, health experts caution that contamination from mercury and other heavy metals is often invisible.
A medical practitioner, Dr Omaima Arab, warned that exposure could cause irreversible conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological damage.
With galamsey now threatening not only Ghana’s water bodies and forests but also its food supply, experts say the country faces an escalating public health and food security challenge.
SSD/AE
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