The Ellembelle District Education Director Wilfred Katey Adoduadji, has raised concerns about the devastating impact of illegal mining on education in the area.
Addressing a gathering at the Kikam-Asemko Kundum Festival, Adoduadji revealed that rampant illegal mining activities are severely affecting student attendance. According to him, some students have even resorted to creating their own makeshift systems to balance school and mining work, while others are refusing to sit for end-of-term exams.
Illegal mining is a major concern in Ghana, particularly when it comes to its impact on school-going children.
At the Kikam-Asemko Kundum Festival, Mr Adoduadji highlighted the alarming issue of children being lured away from classrooms to work at mining sites, enticed by promises of quick money.
This trend is deeply concerning, as it leads children to abandon their education and enter a hazardous cycle of labor that deprives them of essential skills for long-term success
Mr Wilfred Katey Adoduadji recalled that “Throughout Ellembelle, illegal mining is rampant, severely impacting school attendance. Children are dropping out, and even primary school students are engaged in this hazardous activity, compromising their health and future. Some are falling sick due to their involvement”.
“As an Education Director, I consider it crucial to address the negative consequences of illegal mining, especially when school children are involved. I urge opinion leaders and this community to take my message seriously and join forces to prevent our children from engaging in illegal mining. Together, we can secure a brighter future for these kids.”
He revealed that students involved in illegal mining have adopted makeshift systems to balance school and mining work. Even more concerning, some students are refusing to take end-of-term exams, further jeopardizing their educational prospects
“Shockingly, some children fail to write their end-of-term exams due to active involvement in Galamsey (illegal mining). Others have devised a shift system, where every week, some students stay away from school for 2-3 days”
“In one community, ten children attend school one day, while another ten stay home the next. This rotational absence severely impacts academic performance. This disturbing trend necessitates urgent attention to protect the education and well-being of our children.” He added
The District Chief Executive of Ellembelle, Kwasi Bonzo, called for responsible mining practices by presenting a cheque of GHC100,000 to the Kikam community and 13 other communities as their part of the community mining projects in the area, aiming to benefit local residents and mitigate the negative impacts of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
“Today, we’re celebrating responsible mining and its impact on our communities and Ghana as a whole. I’m thrilled to present a cheque of 100,000 cedis to the chiefs and elders of Kikam, representing their share of the benefits from responsible Community mining in Ellembelle”.
“Although the mining activities aren’t physically located in Kikam, the community is still reaping the rewards. I urge the chiefs to take a vital role in safeguarding our lands against illegal mining operations, ensuring we continue to benefit from responsible mining practices.” He stated.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
