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Boys in UER abandon classroom for ‘galamsey’
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The Chief of Kpongu in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region, Naa Seidu Braimah has expressed worry at the rate at which male children abandon classes to engage in illegal mining popularly known as “galamsey” in the region.
A worried Naa Braimah said illegal mining was detrimental to the health and development of children since it interfered with their education and cautioned the youth to stay away from the act and focus on their education.
The chief stated this on the sidelines of a meeting organised by the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) on “ending child marriage and teenage pregnancies” in the area.
“These days, most of the boys skip school on certain days just to join their colleagues to engage in the illegal practice which is a threat to their health,” he said.
Naa Braimah explained that boys who indulged in illegal mining at tender ages turned out obstinate, making it difficult for their parents to reprimand them which eventually could lead to waywardness due to their early exposure to money.
“Some of the girls follow these galamsey boys because of the little money they give them and end up getting pregnant for these boys who deny responsibility because they are not ready to be fathers,” he said.
He stated that with the discovery of gold in commercial quantities in the region, it was relevant that stakeholders engaged in serious dialogue on how to dissuade the youth from accessing gold mining sites to the disadvantage of their education.
“Apart from the fact that parents are unable to discipline their children who join the galamsey business, there are other consequences such as deaths due to pits caving in and the tendency of the youth to learn social vices like smoking and alcoholism at the galamsey sites,” he stressed.
The chief called on parents to discuss with their young male children the dangers associated with illegal mining to make it unattractive to them.
He further encouraged the boys to identify role models in the region and aspire to be like such persons in future.
“I want to urge parents to work harder to provide for their wards and desist from taking money from them when they return from the mining operations,” he added.
From Lydia Darlington Fordjour, Kpongu
Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Department of Political Science, Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato says the imprisonment of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will have little meaning unless it leads to a broader crackdown on illegal mining.
In a post on his Facebook page on the July 21, 2026, Dr. Zaato said the judgment should mark the beginning of efforts to completely eradicate galamsey and hold all those involved accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
He said the country must work towards restoring polluted rivers, protecting forests and ensuring that people implicated in illegal mining activities are prosecuted.
According to him, those the President has publicly acknowledged to be involved in galamsey should face prosecution.
He called for the prosecution of district chief executives (DCEs), members of Parliament (MPs) and senior political party officials who have been accused of engaging in or supporting illegal mining.
Dr. Zaato further urged the government to take decisive action to end the destruction of the country’s forests caused by galamsey.
He maintained that the imprisonment of Chairman Wontumi would only have a lasting impact if it results in a comprehensive and impartial fight against illegal mining across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Government of Ghana has expressed profound sadness over the passing of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, King of Dagbon.
In a statement issued on Monday, President John Dramani Mahama, on behalf of the Government, extended his deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon, and the entire nation.
“The Government of Ghana has received with profound sadness the news of the passing of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II,” the statement said.
President Mahama described the late King as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign was defined by healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace in Dagbon following years of conflict.
The statement noted that His Majesty’s “unwavering commitment to unity, stability, and the welfare of his people created an enabling environment for development”and strengthened the partnership between traditional authorities and Government in advancing progress across Dagbon and Ghana.
The Government paid tribute to the life and legacy of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, and honoured his invaluable service to the nation.
“May his wisdom, leadership, and dedication to peace continue to inspire future generations. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
The passing of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II marks the end of an era for Dagbon, which saw significant strides in unity and development under his leadership.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
