The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has raised concerns about the alarming rate of student absenteeism in schools located in mining communities, particularly those affected by galamsey, or illegal mining. According to NAGRAT President Angel Carbonu, students in these areas are lured away from education by the promise of quick money from galamsey operations ¹.
This trend has severe consequences for teaching and learning, as students are not regular in school, making it challenging for educators to provide quality education. Carbonu emphasized that the immediate financial gains from galamsey outweigh the potential long-term benefits of education for these students.
The galamsey menace is not only harming the environment but also perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment in these communities. The beneficiaries of this illegal activity are often wealthy and influential individuals, including politicians, who exploit the youth and damage the environment for personal gain.
Carbonu stressed that the fight against galamsey is complicated by the involvement of powerful individuals who have the resources to purchase machinery and employ young people. This makes it difficult to effectively address the issue.
To combat this problem, NAGRAT is calling on the government to take drastic measures. These include banning all forms of small-scale mining, stopping the issuance of licenses for prospecting in water bodies and forest reserves, and withdrawing all machinery from affected areas.
Additionally, Carbonu advocates for identifying and punishing those engaged in galamsey, as well as stopping the issuance of licenses for mining and prospecting. These measures aim to halt the environmental degradation and social harm caused by galamsey.
The impact of galamsey on the environment is devastating, with large areas of land degraded and water bodies polluted. In some regions, over 2,000 acres of land have been ravaged, and rivers like the Offin and Oda are heavily polluted.
Reclaiming these degraded lands and restoring the environment is a significant challenge. Experts suggest that a separate body may be needed to undertake this task, given the scale of the damage.
The involvement of traditional rulers and government officials in galamsey operations further complicates the issue. Some chiefs allegedly collect “cover money” from foreign miners, allowing them to damage the environment with impunity.
Ultimately, addressing the galamsey menace requires a multi-faceted approach that involves government action, community engagement, and education. By working together, Ghanaians can protect their environment, promote sustainable development, and ensure a brighter future for young people.
