Education in parts of the Manso area in the Ashanti Region is reportedly under threat as students shy away from school due to the tactics employed by the anti-galamsey taskforce.
Leaders of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners in Amansie South say the taskforce’s heavily armed operations, which they describe as “military-style,” are instilling fear among schoolchildren and disrupting academic activities.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chairman of the local association, Mr. Kwaku Abone, expressed concern over the taskforce’s presence, which he says, though necessary to combat illegal mining, must be more considerate of the community, especially its younger residents.
“We’re not against the government’s efforts to stop illegal mining. In fact, we’re willing to help identify and arrest those involved. But when the children hear gunfire or see people being chased, they get scared and stay away from school,” he said.
Mr. Abone also accused the taskforce of targeting some legal operators, claiming that licensed miners have had their equipment, including excavators, destroyed without justification.
Teachers in the area echoed the concerns, confirming that school attendance has dropped in recent weeks. They are urging the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to intervene before the situation worsens.
“Galamsey is destroying our environment and must be stopped, but the current approach is making children too afraid to come to school. We need a solution that ensures both safety and education,” one teacher remarked.
