‘Galamsey’ Over Free SHS: The Silent Storm Emptying Classrooms in Western Ghana
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“Students don’t come to school; They are always in the pit looking for gold.” lamented the Assistant Head of Academics in a senior high school based in the Western region of Ghana.
In Ghana’s gold mining regions, a disturbing trend is emerging: students in senior high schools are increasingly choosing to spend their time in pits instead of classrooms. ‘
The menace of ‘Galamsey’—illegal mining activities—is emptying classrooms of some senior high schools in the region.
During a recent visit to the Ghana Environmental Advocacy Group in the Western Region, I encountered a deeply troubling scenario: empty classrooms in a senior high school situated in a mining community. This was not an isolated incident. Conversations with teaching and non-teaching staff revealed that this issue is widespread, affecting both senior and junior high schools across the district and neighbouring communities.
Teachers from various schools in the district confirmed that this phenomenon is not unique to one institution. Alarmingly, even during the ongoing WASSCE examinations, some students have opted to skip their papers to return to the mining sites. Others have only briefly attended their exams before heading back to Galamsey activities.
The driving force behind this alarming behaviour is money—specifically, the substantial financial gains from illegal mining. One particularly harrowing case involved a student who, despite suffering a broken leg from a mining accident, returned to work in the pit just a week later. When questioned, he revealed “I earn 7,000 Ghana cedis (approximately 450 USD) per week from mining and I send some home to my parents”. Such a significant amount of money, which most students have never encountered before, is a powerful lure that draws them away from the classroom.
The notion of prioritising Galamsey over a free senior high school education is both tragic and disturbing. Despite the school’s efforts—peer-to-peer mentorship, counselling sessions, PTA meetings, educational videos on the dangers of Galamsey, and disciplinary measures—the situation persists with little improvement.
The head of the school has voiced deep concerns over the rising number of student fatalities, injuries, drug use, and engagement with sex workers near mining sites. She is also alarmed by the growing influence of peer pressure, which now extends to students from other regions who were previously unaware of Galamsey’s perils. Students from cities like Tema and Accra, who came to the school with no prior exposure to these vices, are now following their peers to the mining pits.
With limited financial literacy, these students often squander their earnings on extravagant and harmful purchases, such as the latest iPhones, designer clothing, marijuana, and sex. Tragically, some parents even pressure their children to work in the mines to send money home, as was the case with the student who broke his leg.
The devastating effects of illegal mining on our environment, health, and economy are well-documented. However, witnessing its impact on the educational prospects of our young people—our future leaders—is truly heartbreaking. This is a clarion call to the Ghana Education Service to urgently and vocally advocate for a robust response from the government, the Minerals Commission, and all relevant stakeholders to eradicate illegal mining and protect our youth.
Additionally, this is a direct appeal to President Nana Akufo-Addo. His flagship free senior high school initiative, though commendable, is being undermined by the Galamsey crisis. As he nears the end of his term, it is crucial for him to address this issue decisively, ensuring that the problems posed by illegal mining are rectified before he leaves office.
The situation demands immediate and serious action. For the sake of our students and the future of Ghana, we must act now.
About the author
Deborah Nana Ama Abbey
Deborah Nana Ama Abbey is a development practitioner with expertise in communication, youth empowerment, advocacy and human rights. With a diverse professional background, she has contributed her skills to various national and international organisations. Community engagement lies at the heart of Deborah’s values, as evidenced by her initiative “Every Kid Deserves Christmas,” which brings joy to hundreds of children from underprivileged backgrounds every year. Currently, she serves as a communications assistant, where she plays a pivotal role in driving positive change and development at the West Africa Civil Society Institute.
