The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) is under increasing pressure to take disciplinary action against Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, the Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore in the Ashanti Region.

This comes on the back of Dr. Afriyie’s controversial comments endorsing illegal mining, or galamsey.

Dr. Samuel Ayeh, a colleague within the GMA, has formally petitioned the association to summon Dr. Afriyie before its disciplinary committee, calling for sanctions that align with the GMA's commitment to combat illegal mining.

Dr. Ayeh's petition follows the circulation of a viral video in which Dr. Afriyie claimed that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) would never implement a ban on illegal mining for political gain. His remarks have drawn significant backlash across both social media and traditional platforms.

In his appeal, Dr. Ayeh stressed that Dr. Afriyie’s comments directly contradict the GMA's official position, which condemns the environmental and health threats posed by illegal mining activities.

"Dr. Afriyie’s stance on galamsey contradicts the association’s official position," he stated, referencing a press release issued by the GMA on Friday, 6 September 2024, which called for a total ban on small-scale mining operations.

Dr. Ayeh highlighted the dire consequences of illegal mining, pointing out that it employs hazardous methods of gold extraction that pollute vital water sources with toxic substances like mercury and cyanide.

Such contamination has resulted in severe health problems within affected communities, including skin diseases and respiratory issues.

Recently, the Ghana Water Company was compelled to suspend operations in Cape Coast, Elmina, and Kyebi due to pollution linked to illegal mining.

Labelling Dr. Afriyie's remarks as "retrogressive and irresponsible," Dr. Ayeh expressed concern that they could be wrongly interpreted as the official stance of the GMA’s more than 10,000 members.

He characterized Dr. Afriyie's comments as gross misconduct that threatens the association's reputation and urged swift action to maintain professional ethics.

"This is about protecting the integrity of the medical profession in Ghana," Dr. Ayeh asserted.