The Chief of Akyem Asamama in the Eastern Region, Osabarima Okoampah Amoa-Dekyem, has raised serious concerns over the growing impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on the education and future of children in the community.
Speaking at a community durbar to officially introduce the newly installed Akwamuhene, Baffour Ofori Boateng Agyepong, and Ankobeahene, Nana Nuamah Sarfo Twum, the Chief described illegal mining as the community’s most pressing challenge.
According to him, an increasing number of school-age children are abandoning their education to work at galamsey sites in search of quick income. He warned that if the trend is not urgently addressed by parents, community leaders, and relevant authorities, Akyem Asamama risks losing an entire generation to illegal mining.
Osabarima Okoampah Amoa-Dekyem noted that some girls leave school as early as the age of 12 to engage in mining-related activities. He appealed to parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s upbringing, particularly the girl child, stressing that their education is essential to the future development of the community.
The Chief also expressed concern over the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, saying abandoned galamsey pits have become death traps and are preventing many farmers from accessing their farmlands. He urged residents not to release land for mining activities without the knowledge and approval of the appropriate traditional authorities.
Beyond galamsey, he highlighted the growing indiscipline among some commercial motorcycle (okada) riders, whose reckless riding, he said, poses a serious threat to public safety and makes it difficult for the elderly to move around the community.
The newly installed Akwamuhene, Baffour Ofori Boateng Agyepong, and Ankobeahene, Nana Nuamah Sarfo Twum, pledged their full support to the Chief and reaffirmed their commitment to working together to advance the development of Akyem Asamama.
