"Galamsey" :The Cause of Poor Enrollment in Schools

The Western Regional Minister, Mr. J.B. Adioo, has stated that the low enrolment in educational institutions in western Region of Ghana can be attributed to the “galamsey” (illegal mining) activities that has engulfed the mining communities.

He disclosed that even under-aged children who are supposed to be in classrooms are into this illegal mining operations.

Hon. J. B. Aidoo, made these observations when he answered questions on the activities of the illegal mining, chieftaincy problems and the total development of the region at the 5th meet- the press in Accra.

He called on the media to investigate why the people and the chief of Prestea are not satisfied with Bogoso Goldfields Limited (BGL) doing surface mining at Prestea.

He hinted that all the people of Prestea are into “galamsey” using all kind of deadly chemicals to pollute the water bodies.

Besides that, land is allocated to “galamsey” operators at exorbitant prices by opinion leaders, which leaves the town characterized with tensions thereby putting the settler farmers and workers (BGL) at risk.

The minister said, this trend of events will not woo investors, and in his effort to maintain order and create the needed enabling environment to sustain the private sector, he has been presented as interfering with chieftaincy issues.

He assured Ghanaians that contractors and mining companies operating in the region are assisting in the rehabilitation of roads across the region.

Commenting on his effort to boost marine life and fishing in the region, the Minister said there are storage facilities at Aboasi Abuadze, and Axim, and that the improved Sekondi Fishing Harbour will enhance the activities of the industry to enable it deliver.

Clearing the air on the doubhts surrounding the construction of Sekondi/Takoradi 20 Kilometre road, he said the present administration will execute the project before the next general election.

In conclusion, the Regional Minister said a lot of round table discussions has gone into the raising of the status of Gyandu Park to that of a Stadium.

According to him, the only constraint is investment, but President Kufuor’s trip to Japan and China, indicates that some support from those countries will be forth coming soon.