The growing expansion of mining activities across Ghana is increasingly placing children at the centre of a silent crisis, as environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods and socio-economic disruptions continue to threaten their wellbeing in many mining-affected communities.
While mining remains an important contributor to national revenue and economic growth, evidence emerging from several mining communities suggests that the long-term social and environmental costs are being borne disproportionately by vulnerable groups, particularly children.
In the Ahafo Region, concerns over the impact of mining on children’s welfare have prompted a stakeholder engagement aimed at finding practical solutions to the challenges confronting families and communities affected by mining operations.
The engagement, organised by WACAM, with support from DKA Austria, seeks to bring together duty bearers, community leaders, regulatory institutions, education and health authorities, child protection agencies, civil society organisations and representatives of mining companies to examine the growing barriers affecting children in mining-impacted areas.
A key concern is the gradual erosion of traditional livelihoods and community support systems resulting from mining-induced displacement, loss of farmlands and environmental degradation.
According to findings from a WACAM study on mining-induced displacement and children’s education in the Newmont’s Ahafo South fenceline communities, many school children are compelled to walk long distances to access education following disruptions associated with mining activities. Children now walk across large mining concessions to attend school on daily basis.
The study indicates that the transportation difficulties and increased travel distances have negatively affected school attendance, punctuality and academic performance among children in some affected communities.
Beyond education, the mining-related environmental changes continue to affect access to clean water, food security, family incomes and overall community wellbeing, with direct implications for children’s health, nutrition, safety and development.
While discussions around mining often focus on economic benefits, less attention is paid to its social consequences, particularly for children who have little influence over decisions that shape their future.
The stakeholder dialogue will, therefore, focus on strengthening collaboration among institutions responsible for child welfare, environmental protection, education, health delivery and local governance.
Participants are expected to deliberate on the responsibilities of duty bearers, identify accountability gaps and explore measures that can help protect children from the unintended consequences of mining activities.
The engagement will also provide a platform for communities and institutions to discuss practical interventions capable of improving access to education, child protection services and social support systems in affected areas.
By Edmond Gyebi
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