A recent study by Child Rights International (CRI) has revealed that only 35 per cent of teenagers living in mining communities across Ghana are currently enrolled in school, raising serious concerns about the impact of illegal mining on children's welfare.

The research, which focused on how illegal mining activities are affecting children's education, health, and safety, found alarmingly low school attendance rates.

According to the report, only 18 per cent of children aged 13–14 and 17 per cent of those aged 15–17 are attending school.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, the Executive Director of CRI, Mr. Bright Appiah, said the trend reflects a worrying decline in both enrollment and retention rates among school-aged children in areas heavily affected by mining.

Mr. Appiah attributed the situation to the allure of illegal mining, often referred to as galamsey, which many children view as a quicker path to financial gain than education.

“Children are being drawn away from school by the promise of fast money in illegal mining operations.

This is having a direct negative impact on their education and future prospects,” he stated.

While enrollment among children aged 5 to 12 was slightly better, the study revealed that even those figures were still lower compared to similar age groups in non-mining communities.

Mr. Appiah called on the government to implement urgent measures to curb the involvement of children in illegal mining and invest in programmes that will encourage school attendance and retention.

He also urged community leaders, parents, and local authorities to support efforts aimed at keeping children in school and safeguarding their rights.