E/R:PARENTS IN MINING COMMUNITIES URGED TO PRIORITIZE EDUCATION FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

 

Barima Pobi Asomaning III, Chief of the Kyebi Akwadum community under the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, has voiced serious concern over the increasing neglect of children’s education by parents in mining communities.

He expressed disappointment that many parents are failing to prioritize their children’s education, exposing them to the dangers of illegal mining work at a young age.

The chief made these remarks during the inaugural Ohumkan Festival, held in the Kyebi Akwadum community. The festival, a major annual event marking the new yam harvest, returned after years of being suspended due to the absence of a chief. This year’s celebration followed a two-week ban on noise-making and symbolized the community's spiritual renewal and unity.

The event not only celebrated tradition and paid homage to ancestors, but also served as a platform to support brilliant but financially challenged students in the area. Dignitaries, government officials, residents, family members, and guests joined the festivities, which included cultural displays and expressions of gratitude to God and the ancestors for their protection.

In keeping with custom, divisional chiefs and queen mothers presented firewood to the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin. Likewise, schoolchildren brought firewood to their chief, Barima Pobi Asomaning III, who rewarded them with small gifts.

The chief was visibly moved during interactions with students, noticing that many were wearing torn and worn-out uniforms. In a generous response, he donated GHC 10,000 to the headteachers to purchase new school uniforms.

Additionally, he pledged to sponsor the top three performing students in the community’s basic schools through to tertiary education.

Addressing the crowd, the chief underscored the critical role of education in shaping a better future for children. He urged parents to be more involved and proactive in their children's academic journeys, emphasizing that education is a powerful tool for lifting families out of poverty.

He noted that the economic hardships in mining areas often push parents to involve their children in illegal mining activities, depriving them of an education. Reflecting on past generations, he recalled how parents made significant sacrifices — including farming and selling valuables — to ensure their children were educated and positioned for success.

Speaking to the media, Barima Pobi Asomaning III — who also heads the Okyeman Environmental Protection Brigade Taskforce — reaffirmed his commitment to combating illegal mining (galamsey). He highlighted ongoing efforts to restore water bodies, protect forests, and reclaim degraded lands, citing a 70% success rate in their operations.

He appealed for greater government support for traditional authorities in the fight against galamsey, stressing the need for collaboration to safeguard the environment for future generations. The chief also urged the government to involve traditional leaders in granting mining concessions, as they are best positioned to identify and apprehend illegal miners without fear or bias.

He cautioned that excluding traditional rulers from anti-galamsey initiatives would undermine their effectiveness. He called on President John Dramani Mahama to work closely with chiefs to preserve Ghana’s natural resources, especially water bodies under threat from illegal mining.

Barima Pobi Asomaning III further encouraged natives of Kyebi Akwadum, both home and abroad, to return and contribute to the development of their hometown. He emphasized unity, dignity, love, and respect as values essential to progress.

He extended a warm invitation to all to attend the upcoming one-year anniversary of his enstoolment, which will include a homecoming event focused on rallying support for development projects. These initiatives include constructing market squares, event centers, and schools, with a strong emphasis on providing educational support to underprivileged children in Kyebi Akwadum and beyond.

Meanwhile, Derrick Tia Amewuga, Headteacher of Kyebi Akwadum R/C Primary School, voiced concern over the lack of parental involvement in children's education. He noted that many pupils arrive at school as late as 9:00 a.m. after staying out late at night.

He appealed to the chief to help foster a more disciplined and secure environment for students. Mr. Amewuga also revealed that the school has seen a worrying trend of a 0% pass rate in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in recent years. He attributed this largely to the influence of illegal mining, which distracts students and prevents some from even sitting for the exams.

Calling on all stakeholders in education, he emphasized the need to protect children’s futures through strong parental engagement and support. He thanked the chief for his intervention and expressed hope that this would significantly improve the quality of education and student performance in the community.

Script by:

Paul Manyo

Eastern Regional Correspondent, Net2 TV