Professor Vincent Kodzo Nartey, former Head, Department of Chemistry, has delivered his inaugural lecture on the topic: The Environmental Impact of Artisanal Gold Mining in Ghana: Unveiling the Silent Killer. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, chaired the inaugural lecture, the third from the Department of the Chemistry in the history of the University.
Prior to the lecture, Prof. Nartey recounted his experiences and expressed gratitude to one of his secondary school teachers, who on seeing his excellent grades in Science, influenced his decision to change from the Arts to the Sciences.
Professor Vincent Kodzo Nartey
Focusing extensively on the invisible effects of gold mining in Ghana which have far more devastating effects, and yet often go unnoticed, Prof. Nartey advocated the use of cleaner technologies in Ghana’s mining activities to minimise the impact of the heavy metals in the environment and our health.
Prof. Nartey shared perspectives on how the presence of heavy metals such as Arsenic Lead, Mercury and Cadmium have adverse impact on all spheres of life. Focusing on the negative effects of mercury, he explained that Ghanaians are exposed to mercury contamination through the activities of small scale and illegal gold miners, polluting the air, water bodies and soil.
A cross-section of participants at the Lecture
The lecturer stressed on the uncountable accidents and loss of lives associated with the sector, mainly resulting from unprotected or poorly supported pits, leading to fatalities. Prof. Nartey bemoaned the lack of efforts from past governments in addressing the issue of heavy metal pollution and the scarce data on the extent of mercury contamination in communities where mercury is used in mining.
He articulated the complex dynamics of mining, the largest tax paying sector and source of employment, which has environmental impact including destruction of flora/fauna and argued that even though mining contributes significantly to the state’s Gross Domestic Product, the connivance of locals with foreigners to operate illegally in the sector is a major concern. This, he said, should be tackled by empowering chiefs and the local assemblies in their sensitisation campaigns and enforcing tighter control over the sale and usage of mercury.
In her remarks as Chair, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Amfo emphasized collective efforts by moving away from emotions to evidence and data driven approaches in the fight against illegal small-scale mining.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Amfo
She congratulated Professor Kodzo Nartey for the strides he has made in his academic career.
A cross-section of participants at the Lecture
Earlier, in her opening remarks, the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, welcomed the audience and noted that inaugural lectures form an essential component of a university’s programme for an academic year and every academic who rises to the rank of full Professor in the University of Ghana is expected to deliver an inaugural lecture. Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah said, “inaugural lectures offered the University an opportunity to recognize and showcase the achievements of faculty as they share their research with colleagues within and outside the University”.
Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah
Several presentations were made by friends, family and members of the University community to celebrate the achievements of Prof. Nartey. Other presentations were also made by members of his church and secondary school association.
Prof. Nartey receiving a presentation
The Ghana Dance Ensemble also graced the occasion with cultural performances as well as seperewa appellation to herald the lecturer.
The Ghana Dance Ensemble during a cultural performance at the Lecture
As a prelude to Prof. Vincent K Nartey's inaugural lecture, a week-long exhibition of his works on the Geochemistry of Freshwater Systems; Determination and Speciation of Mercury at Small Scale Gold Mining communities; Determination and Speciation of Arsenic in Groundwater Samples in Mining communities; among others was held at the Balme Library.
Prof. Vincent K Nartey during the opening of an exhibition of his scholarly works
The inaugural lecture was attended by Emeritus Prof. Ivan Addae Mensah, former Vice-Chancellor; Hon. Elizabeth Ohene, Former Minister of State for Tertiary Education and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, Justice of the Supreme Court. Also present were Old Mawuli Students Union, 1974 Year Group, Awudome Old Students of the 1974 -1976 Year Group, clergy of the Global Evangelical Church, the media fraternity, members of the University community and the public.
