Ghana needs law to control acquisition and use of toxic chemicals

The Ghana Chemical Society has called for urgent legislation to regulate the unbridled acquisition and use of toxic chemicals in the country.
This push aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance chemicals management, particularly concerning the use of hazardous substances such as acid, mercury, cyanide, weedicides, and pesticides that have flooded the market.
Professor David Essumang, President of the Ghana Chemical Society, emphasized the critical need for regulation in light of Ghana’s involvement in international agreements on chemicals management.
He noted that the absence of specific legislation to combat the influx of dangerous chemicals has significantly hindered regulatory efforts.
“As a country, we have had to fall on other regulations, including legislation on the use of hazardous chemicals and pesticides. But we cannot apply punitive measures on people who fail to comply because there is no legislation,” Prof. Essumang stated.
“Our efforts need the buy-in and support from all stakeholders.”
Prof. James Dankwa, a visiting professor from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, highlighted the severe environmental and health impacts of using mercury and cyanide in illegal mining activities.
He warned that mercury pollution from illegal mining contaminates water bodies, harms aquatic life, and poses significant health risks to humans.
Cyanide usage also threatens ecosystems and human health, with potential lethal effects and long-term environmental damage.
“These toxic substances contaminate water sources, harm wildlife, and endanger communities relying on water for daily activities,” Prof. Dankwa explained.
He underscored the importance of chemistry education in meeting daily needs through the proper use of chemicals in food, clothing, healthcare, agriculture, energy, and maintaining clean air, water, and soil.
“Understanding chemistry has become critical to making informed decisions about the products we use and their impact on our environment and health,” he added.
Prof. Dankwa also discussed the dual impact of chemistry on the environment.
While chemistry has enabled technological advancements and improved daily life through medicines, fertilizers, and construction materials, it has also led to significant environmental issues, including pollution, climate change, and natural resource depletion.
To mitigate these negative impacts, there is a growing focus on green chemistry, which aims to redesign chemical products and processes to minimize environmental harm and promote sustainability.
This approach involves developing safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly chemicals and manufacturing processes.
“Green chemistry will reduce chemical toxicity, enable faster degradation, lower ozone depletion, and cause less harm to plants and animals,” Prof. Dankwa noted.
“For human health, it ensures cleaner air and water, safer consumer products, and improved worker safety in the chemical industry. Businesses will benefit from higher yields, reduced raw material use, lower waste disposal costs, and increased consumer sales.”
The Ghana Chemical Society’s call for legislation seeks to protect the environment and public health by controlling the use of hazardous chemicals and promoting sustainable practices through informed decision-making and stakeholder collaboration.