Effects of Illegal Mining on Youth Education in the East Akim Municipality of Ghana

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2019-07

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University of Ghana

Abstract

Illegal mining, a kind of mining accompanying artisanal and small-scale mining, is done without adherence to good environmental protection practices and mining regulations. Just like every other mining activity, it has a direct correlation on social factors like education, health and the general well-being of the youth of Ghana. In the light of the above, the pushing factors that are causing this upsurge coupled with the increasing interest of the youth in engaging in it and it effect on their education in the Municipality is something worth considering. The study through the qualitative approach explored the phenomenon, using sampling techniques like purposive and convenience sampling to select 45 youth (boys and girls) and other 7 adults who also have knowledge as far as illegal mining is concerned to elicit information from them through interviews. This information in addition to those from relevant educational institutions were analysed. Data analysis revealed that poverty and unemployment are the major reasons for which most of the youth go into illegal mining business. Beside these factors, some youth also venture into illegal mining as a way of getting money to support their education. This, however, comes along with a big toll on their educational advancement as they frequently absent themselves from school in the process and consequently a drop in their performance. The study therefore recommends that mining communities through the collaborative and inter-sectoral approach involving all the stakeholders should counsel and empower the youth on the need to pursue education to the highest level. In addition to that, there must alternative livelihood support programmes to enable the youth to exit out of the illegal mining with the hope of a sound educational footing.

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MA. Social Policy Studies

Keywords

Illegal Mining, Mining, Ghana, Mining Communities

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