Truancy among school children in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region is on the rise due to their involvement in illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”
In addition to its negative impact on academic performance, the municipal education service is reporting that the health of the children is also being affected.
Central Regional Correspondent Samuel Addo has more on the story.
According to the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Education Directorate, many children, particularly those in rural communities, are regularly absent from school to participate in illegal mining activities.
When they return, they struggle to catch up on missed lessons, which harms their overall academic progress.
This phenomenon is most prevalent among upper primary students (Class 6) to Junior High School (JHS 3) children.
The directorate highlights that this trend is preventing many students from completing basic education at the age level typically expected by the Ghana Education Service (GES).
Anthony Takyi, the Municipal Director of Education, revealed that health issues, including eye, ear, and skin infections, are widespread among children involved in galamsey.
These health problems arise from the children’s exposure to contaminated water and hazardous conditions associated with illegal mining activities.
In addition to the educational and health challenges, illegal miners are also further polluting the already compromised Offin River.
From Dunkwa-on-Offin, the municipal capital, to nearby communities like Buabenso, Adwumamu, Akropong, and Kyekyewere, numerous cheng-fang machines have been set up along the river, where illegal miners are scavenging for gold.
The river, once clearer, has become more turbid in recent months, despite efforts by the municipal security council to curb illegal mining in the area.
