Dambai: Dr Kofi Amo-Kodieh, the Oti Regional Director of Health Services, has urged health professionals in the region to remain vigilant over reports of possible nickel mineral deposits and related activities in Kadjebi and its surrounding communities. He emphasized the importance of monitoring any potential health implications associated with the mineral's activities.
According to Ghana News Agency, although the Regional Health Directorate had heard reports of the presence of nickel in the area, Dr Amo-Kodieh called on health professionals to pay particular attention to the issue. Nickel, a silvery-white metal, is widely used in various applications such as coin minting, plating, and stainless steel production.
Dr Amo-Kodieh appealed to health workers, including staff of the Evangelical Church of Ghana (ECG) Hospital in Dambai, to remain observant and promptly report any unusual health conditions or emerging patterns that could require further investigation. He made this call at a programme in Dambai, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among health facilities and the Regional Health Directorate in strengthening disease surveillance and preparedness.
He urged health professionals to work together to develop appropriate measures that would enable the Directorate to gather credible health data and draw the attention of the Government to any emerging public health concerns. Dr Amo-Kodieh highlighted that such collaboration would help ensure potential health risks associated with economic and extractive activities are identified early and addressed before escalating into major public health challenges.
He concluded by stressing the need for health workers to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting the health and wellbeing of communities across the region.