A recent study by Africa Education Watch has raised concerns over the rising number of children in northern Ghana dropping out of school to engage in betting and driving school activities, particularly in areas affected by illegal mining, or galamsey.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Monday, December 15, Dr. Peter Attafuah, Senior Education Advisor at Africa Education Watch, highlighted that regions with active galamsey operations, such as Talensi and Bulsa, are experiencing higher instances of children abandoning classrooms in pursuit of quick money.
“The repercussion is that these children are taken out of the classroom. That’s why we call it out-of-school children. These children may not get formal education, and it will bring a telling defect and negative impact on the children themselves, on their family, and then the nation at large,” he said.
Dr. Attafuah explained that the issue is multi-faceted, driven by both children and parents.
“The kids need money for themselves. The kids need money to support their parents. The parents need money, and they think they cannot go. Or some of them are there, and they pull their children along so that they can all go and get more money to fend for the family,” he added.
He stressed that addressing the problem requires coordinated interventions. “Policies must be put in place…we need NGOs to also come in to help…even the families themselves must also get up and be doing something,” Dr. Attafuah urged.
Experts have warned the trend poses serious risks to the youth, their families, and the nation.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
