Former legislator condemns exploitation of children for galamsey activities

A former legislator has strongly condemned the growing illegal mining in the country with some families exploiting minors for the hazardous practice in some mining communities in the detriment of their
education.

Dr Freda Prempeh, the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North Constituency called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Municipal and District Assemblies and the civil society
community to step in and help stemmed the practice.

“If the government can’t stem the illegal mining practice, then we shouldn’t sit down unconcern and allow some families and parents to lure and exploit these innocent minors into the condemnable practice”,
she stated.

Reacting to a viral social media video, Dr Prempeh told the media in an interview at Duayaw-Nkwanta that: “The future of these innocent children is bleak and the Gender Ministry must set up”, saying the
ministry and the government in general ought to build a good environment for children to survive.

The video sighted by the GNA portrayed some ‘little children’ engaging in illegal mining activities.

Dr Prempeh, a former minister of state and the founder of the Ultimate Women Foundation (UWF) regretted that illegal mining was not only causing extensive damage to the environment, the vegetative cover, and river bodies, however contaminating perishable crops and food stuff.

She explained that the foundation sought to encourage and motivate indigenous and vulnerable women and girls to know their worth and empowered them to contribute meaningfully to the larger society.

Dr Prempeh said beyond its vision, the foundation remained committed to fight social ills inimical to the holistic growth and development of vulnerable women and girls and thereby creating a safe haven for
them to build their potential.

“Instead of devising realistic strategies to stem that suicidal practice, it’s rather unfortunate that some families are luring their innocent children into galamsey in the detriment of the education”,
she stated.

“My brother, so where are we heading to as a nation? In fact, the government, relevant state and non-state institutions and civil society actors must step up and make proactive decisions to stem
galamsey practice.

“This goes beyond lip service and gimmicks but requires strong political will from President John Dramani Mahama”, the former outspoken legislator indicated.

By Dennis Peprah