The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), Pharm Dr Samuel Kow Donkoh, has called for an urgent fight against illegal mining activities (galamsey) in Ghana.

He warned that if the menace continued the pharmaceutical value chain would have to import water for operations.

Speaking at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Association in Kumasi, September 25, Pharm Dr Kow Donkoh emphasised the devastating effects of galamsey activities on public health.

He bemoaned it was becoming increasingly expensive for pharmaceutical businesses to treat water for their operations.

He observed the nation's local production of medicines was being threatened by galamsey activities.

He called for urgent action against the menace, cautioning it may ultimately contribute to an increase in the cost of medicines.

Pharm Dr Kow Donkoh also underscored the effects of destruction caused to Ghana’s forest reserves by galamsey.

He stated if care was not taken, the medicinal plants in local forests will be depleted, threatening the herbal medicine world.

In view of this, the PSGH president called on the government to make bold decisions in fighting galamsey, urging the various political parties to also join in the fight.