Illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” is wreaking havoc on children and communities in Ghana‘s Agona East District, with the Yensu River at the centre of the crisis.
Contaminated by mercury used in upstream mining activities, the river, vital for drinking, bathing, and washing, has become unsafe, leaving families scrambling for alternative water sources and forcing children into daily hardships that disrupt their education.
Twelve-year-old Kufi fell ill after using the polluted water, missing exams, and ultimately repeating class five. Fourteen-year-old Kelvin Tif described the daily struggle to find safe water, which delays school attendance and reduces academic hours.
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Teachers confirmed that school schedules have been severely disrupted, with classes starting as late as 8:00 a.m., cutting into critical learning time. “Students roam about searching for water, and this directly affects our academic work,” one teacher said.
The human cost is severe. Children bear the burden of collecting water, compromising both their physical health and educational opportunities.
Kelvin Tif expressed disillusionment over the situation, saying, “I am happy to be a Ghanaian, but sometimes I feel like I don’t want to be a Ghanaian because of these bad things going around in this country.”
Community elders are equally alarmed. Nana, 81, who has lived by the Yensu River all his life, expressed deep concern for the future of local children.
“The children are going to suffer… I’m not happy, I’m worried,” he said, urging the government to intervene and provide safe water for villages like theirs.
The crisis highlights a cascading impact: contaminated water threatens health, disrupts education, and fosters a sense of despair among the youth.
Without immediate intervention, more students risk falling behind, and families will continue to face extreme challenges.
The Agona East District’s experience underscores the urgent need for government action to halt illegal mining, provide clean water, and safeguard the futures of its youngest residents.
