A young Ghanaian nurse has raised concerns over what she says are increasing cases of cerebellar ataxia among people associated with galamsey activities.

In a video circulating on social media, the nurse urged people who have relatives or friends involved in illegal mining to encourage them to stop, claiming that patients with the condition are increasingly being seen at their hospital.

She specifically alleged that some cases of cerebellar ataxia were being contracted at galamsey sites and described the condition as incurable. However, the specific claim that galamsey sites are directly causing the reported cases has not been independently established in the material reviewed by GhanaMedia.net.

Cerebellar ataxia refers to impaired coordination and balance caused by dysfunction of the cerebellum. Medical literature has established that certain forms of mercury exposure can cause neurological effects, including ataxia and problems with coordination. The World Health Organization also identifies gold mining as a source of environmental mercury releases and warns that mercury can damage the nervous system.

Ghana has continued to face serious health and environmental concerns associated with galamsey. The Paediatric Society of Ghana has warned that illegal mining can expose communities to toxic substances including mercury, lead, arsenic and cyanide, with potential consequences for brain development and other aspects of health.

The nurse’s warning therefore adds to growing public concern about the health consequences of illegal mining. Further medical investigation would be required to establish whether the specific cases she referenced are connected to exposure at galamsey sites and what substances or pathways may be responsible.

Her appeal to families comes as Ghana continues to grapple with the environmental and public-health consequences of illegal mining, particularly contamination associated with mining activities.