E/R:Kyebi Akwadum Chief Urges Parents in Mining Areas to Choose Education Over Galamsey

 

Kyebi Akwadum, Eastern Region – Barima Pobi Asomaning III, Chief of Kyebi Akwadum in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, has issued a passionate appeal to parents in mining communities across Ghana to prioritize their children's education, warning that continued neglect is exposing young people to exploitation and danger in the mining sector.

Speaking at the inaugural Ohumkan Festival in Kyebi Akwadum, the chief lamented the increasing trend of children abandoning school to engage in illegal mining activities, a situation he described as heartbreaking and detrimental to the future of the nation.

“Education is the foundation of every child’s future. As parents, we must make sacrifices to ensure our children gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed,” he said.

The Ohumkan Festival, celebrated for the first time in many years due to a previous leadership vacuum, marked the start of the new yam harvest and was observed in grand style. The celebration also served as a platform to advocate for education, unity, and environmental sustainability.

In a symbolic gesture, schoolchildren presented firewood to the chief, in line with tradition. However, during his interaction with the pupils, Barima Pobi Asomaning III was disheartened to find many wearing tattered uniforms. In response, he donated GHC10,000 to local school heads to purchase new uniforms for the children.

The chief also adopted the top three performing students from Kyebi Akwadum’s basic schools, pledging to sponsor their education through to the tertiary level. He encouraged other community members and stakeholders to support brilliant but underprivileged students.

“Let’s not forget the sacrifices our elders made to ensure we had an education. We must do the same for our children,” he noted.

Barima Pobi Asomaning III, who also leads the Okyeman Environmental Protection Brigade, revealed that their team has achieved 70% success in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), helping restore rivers and reclaim land.

He called on government to fully involve traditional authorities when granting mining concessions, arguing that chiefs can identify illegal miners and rally local communities to resist environmental destruction.

“Any anti-galamsey initiative that excludes chiefs is bound to fail. We know the people, and we can help,” he said, while also urging former President John Dramani Mahama to engage traditional leaders in future efforts.

The chief called on all sons and daughters of Kyebi Akwadum, both local and abroad, to support community development. He announced plans to mark the 1-year anniversary of his enstoolment with a homecoming event and appealed to NGOs, philanthropists, and government agencies to support the Akwadum Community Development Project, which includes the construction of market squares, schools, and educational support centers.

Meanwhile, Mr. Derrick Tia Amewuga, Headteacher of Kyebi Akwadum R/C Primary School, expressed concern over poor parental involvement and increasing student absenteeism. He disclosed that the school had recorded a 0% BECE pass rate in recent years.

He attributed the poor performance largely to illegal mining, which distracts children and often prevents them from sitting for the exams.

“We are doing our best as teachers, but we need parents and community leaders to help. Education is the only way out of poverty,” he stressed.

Mr. Amewuga also praised the chief for his unwavering support and called on other stakeholders to emulate his commitment.

Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare