"Galamsey linked to kidney failures; 65 cases reported in Tarkwa", 14 August 2017

Authorities of the Central Regional Hospital have disclosed, they are recording increasing cases of kidney infection from persons linked to illegal mining.
Hospital authorities believe many are suffering from the condition because of the chemicals they are exposed to, such as mercury. Chief Executive of the Hospital Dr Daniel Asare says many are rushed from Tarkwa and other mining towns to the Hospital for kidney dialysis...A report by Human Rights Watch testified to the unregulated use of the substance in mining areas in Ghana. "I watched miners mix liquid mercury in pans filled with ore in order to attract the gold particles. They then held this gold-mercury amalgam over an open fire to burn off the mercury and retrieve the raw gold. Even children were working with mercury," the report said...