Economy

    Illegal Mining Pulls Children From Schools, Study Reveals

    A new study shows children aged 10 to 17 are abandoning classrooms for hazardous mining work in Ghana's Eastern Region, driven by poverty and the desire for quick income.

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    A recent study conducted by Solidaridad West Africa and the Minerals Commission has revealed a concerning trend: school children are increasingly abandoning classrooms for illegal mining sites. This study, carried out in April 2026 across four mining communities in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region, found that children aged 10 to 17 are engaging in hazardous tasks. These tasks include working in unsafe pits and with machinery, and exposure to mercury and other toxic chemicals. The primary driver for this shift is the search for quick income to support their families. While poverty is a significant factor, the study also highlights behavioral and social influences. These include peer pressure, the desire for immediate financial gain, weak parental supervision, and a growing belief that education provides limited immediate benefits. Some children reported earning between GHS 100 and GHS 1,000 on productive days, though earnings vary widely. This development poses a serious threat to Ghana's educational system and future economic stability. The Atiwa West District Education Directorate has confirmed a sharp decline in school attendance and enrollment across the district. This situation contributes to increased absenteeism, school dropouts, and a perception among children that immediate financial gain from mining is more valuable than long-term educational benefits. The Directorate also noted a rise in related social challenges, such as drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. Monalynn Anokye-Bempah, Principal Officer at the Gender Unit of the Minerals Commission, stated that the Commission's collaboration with Solidaridad West Africa aims to identify and eliminate child labor risks. Their efforts also seek to encourage school attendance and retention, reward communities for maintaining child labor-free standards, and strengthen local child protection systems. This initiative is part of broader efforts to implement a Child Labour Eradication Framework (CLEF) developed in 2023 for Ghana's small-scale gold mining sector. Education experts warn that the consequences of children leaving school for mining extend far beyond the classroom. John Kwasi Osafo, District Director of Education for Atiwa West District, emphasized that education equips young people with knowledge, skills, and opportunities for better lives. Without it, many children risk remaining trapped in low-paying and hazardous work, limiting their potential and the nation's future development. The pilot program in Atiwa West district, which includes incentive-based child labor-free community initiatives, will be crucial in addressing these deep-seated issues. Success in this pilot could provide a model for other mining communities across Ghana.

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