Ghana only has about 60 western chimpanzees left spread across spots like Bia National Park and a couple of forest reserves, and the Wildlife Division says illegal mining operations are basically wiping out their habitat while mercury and cyanide from gold processing contaminate everything. A pathologist examined over 4,000 placentas and found heavy metals everywhere, with about 500 miscarriages linked to contamination, and doctors in mining towns are seeing more kids born with heart defects and deformities but most stay quiet because they fear retaliation.
A 13-year-old named Kwaku dropped out of school to crush ore and burn mercury-gold mixtures over open flames while inhaling toxic fumes that cause brain damage. Primatologist Jessica Junker warned that moving chimpanzees to new habitats would not work since they fight when introduced to occupied territories, and most suitable forest areas are already destroyed or taken over by farms and mining sites. The EPA chief admitted her officers show up to confront armed illegal miners with nothing but conversation because the law does not let them carry weapons, which leaves enforcement basically toothless against well-funded syndicates protected by political connections and corruption.
A 13-year-old named Kwaku dropped out of school to crush ore and burn mercury-gold mixtures over open flames while inhaling toxic fumes that cause brain damage. Primatologist Jessica Junker warned that moving chimpanzees to new habitats would not work since they fight when introduced to occupied territories, and most suitable forest areas are already destroyed or taken over by farms and mining sites. The EPA chief admitted her officers show up to confront armed illegal miners with nothing but conversation because the law does not let them carry weapons, which leaves enforcement basically toothless against well-funded syndicates protected by political connections and corruption.
