Regional News of Monday, 12 August 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

School children educated on the impact of illegal mining

Kwaku Oppong-Amponsah is the CEO of Adwinsa Publications Ghana Limited Kwaku Oppong-Amponsah is the CEO of Adwinsa Publications Ghana Limited

In a move to secure the future of Ghana's water bodies and land, Adwinsa Publications Ghana Limited hosted a children's show aimed at educating the younger generation on the devastating impacts of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.

The event, which took place at the Accra International Conference Centre on August 10, 2024, was held under the theme "Poisoning Our Water, Poisoning Our Future," and advocated for the eradication of galamsey activities across the country.

Kwaku Oppong-Amponsah, CEO of Adwinsa Publications Ghana Limited, highlighted the severe consequences of galamsey on the nation's water resources and its future generations.

"What we are saying is that galamsey is destroying our water and the country, if you travel and see our water bodies, it becomes worrying. It is about the future of the children, so the programme is about poisoning our water and poisoning our future,” he said.

Catherine Agyapomaa Appiah-Pinkrah, Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency, emphasized the importance of educating children about environmental protection, stating, "Children are the future leaders and must be equipped with the knowledge to combat galamsey.

“As we encourage reading among ourselves, particularly our children, we are providing them with valuable information that they will use to guide us as they grow."

Appiah-Pinkrah also underscored the foundational role of reading in education, noting, "Reading is the bedrock of education. It enhances comprehension and concentration, especially in early childhood."

Sarah Kumi Yeboah Boadu, Deputy Administrator of the Guidance and Counselling Unit at the Ghana Education Service (GES), further elaborated on the theme, discussing the health and environmental risks posed by water pollution. "Water pollution causes cancer, birth defects, and neurological damage," she explained.

"It impacts our food supply, economy, and way of life. It’s not just about us; it’s about the future we are leaving for our children."

The show also served as the platform for Adwinsa Publications to unveil their latest book, "Adamu the Child Miner," which CEO Oppong-Amponsah described as a tool to raise awareness among children by incorporating social issues into engaging stories.

The book aims to educate young readers on the dangers of illegal mining and its impact on the environment.



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