IDENTIFYING THE HEAVY METALS IN LAND AND SOIL POLLUTION OF THE EASTERN REGION OF GHANA WITH ILLEGAL GOLD MINING (GALAMSEY) AND BREAST CANCER RISK AMONG THE POPULATION.

Co-Authors: Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Prof. Edward D Wiafe, Dr. Joe Sam Aquah, Dr. Adwoa Oforiwaa Antwi, Mr. Daniel Agyei.

Background
‘Galamsey’ is the local term in Ghana for illegal gold mining that results in agricultural damage with water and land contamination. Over the past years this unethical and destructive way of mining has become rampant and a national crisis that is still unresolved. The stage and rate of breast cancer diagnoses among women living in the eastern region of Ghana who came to the Peace and Love Hospital in Kumasi (Ashanti Region) prompted this further study.

Objective
To find the association if any between the current environmental state of the Eastern Region due to illegal gold mining and breast cancer diagnosis among women who presented at the Peace and Love Hospital in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.

Methods
The concentration of heavy metals were measured by community sites with illegal mining and grouped into landfill, mining and agricultural sites. 
Landfill communities
Nkawkaw, Abetifi, Mpraeso, Atibie.
Mining communities
Abomasu, Osino. Agriculture communities: Adukrom, Abomasu, Nkwatia, Nkawkaw, Begoro, Oyoko, Aburi, Mampong, Akropong, Somanya, Apegusu.

Results
Lead, Mercury, Arsenic and Cadmium were the heavy metal contaminants in this region. All 14 selected communities had arsenic levels above 5 mg/L. Cadmium levels in Begoro and Osino were low but exceeded safety limits (>6 mg/L). Mercury contamination was most severe in Somanya and Abomasu (150 mg/L). Osino had the highest lead level of 79 mg/L.

Conclusion
Heavy metals contamination in soil and water from mining, agriculture and landfills indicates higher environmental risks of hormone-sensitive cancers. Mining areas had the highest levels of lead and mercury, while agricultural areas showed high levels of arsenic and cadmium. Landfills also contributed significantly to contamination, likely through leaching of hazardous waste. The study recommends regular environmental monitoring, community health surveillance and further research on the long term impacts of galamsey and its link to health (in regards to breast cancer to further elaborate if the breast cancer diagnosed in the eastern region is prone to a specific subtype, stage, or increases incidence).

Funding
Teva pharmaceuticals funded breast health education and clinical screening outreach programs to the Eastern region of Ghana, and further funded this environmental research in the Eastern region.