The Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, has raised concerns that the attraction of quick money from illegal mining is drawing some teachers and students away from classrooms.
The chief said some teachers are abandoning their professional responsibilities to engage in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, because of the financial returns associated with the activity.
According to him, when teachers leave their classrooms in pursuit of income from illegal mining, students lose valuable teaching time, a situation he believes is affecting the quality of education and academic performance.
Naba Lemyaarum said the attraction of galamsey is also affecting some students, with some abandoning school to participate in illegal mining activities.
He warned that if the trend continues, it could have long-term consequences for education and the development of the skilled professionals the country needs.
The Bongo Paramount Chief also raised concerns about child discipline, saying some parents are increasingly finding it difficult to correct their children when they misbehave.
According to him, some children accuse their parents of witchcraft or attempting to harm them when they are disciplined or corrected.
Naba Lemyaarum attributed the situation partly to increased awareness of children’s rights, arguing that some children interpret those rights as protection from parental correction.
He stressed, however, that children’s rights must be protected, while maintaining that parents should also be able to guide and responsibly discipline their children.
The chief called for a balance between children’s rights and parental responsibility, saying discipline and respect for parents remain important in raising responsible children.
He also contrasted what he described as some Western approaches to parenting with Ghanaian cultural values, arguing that disrespect towards parents should not be normalised in Ghanaian society.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Anaba Azubire | Bolgatanga
