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Regional News of Monday, 11 July 2011

Source: GNA

Student dies in prospecting for gold

Takoradi, July 11, GNA - Master Ernest Opoku, a form two student of the Takoradi Technical Institute, died when he in the company of some friends went to illegally look for Gold. The practice popularly called 91galamsey' has in recent times claimed the lives of many who engage in such illegal mining activities in the mining communities of the region.

According to school authorities, Mr Opoku who hails from Obuasi usually fended for himself whiles in school and at home. Nana Boafo, principal of the institute who confirmed the incident, urged the students to engage in activities that were directly related to their studies to enable them to gain practical experience before the completion of their studies.

Most of the students the GNA interviewed on the subject of galamsey were not scared by the dangers associated with that activity. They claimed that it was a means of getting some money to support themselves in their education and general up-keep. A student said, 93Madam would you believe that I have to pay my own admission fees with nobody assisting me?"