Bongo District Chief Executive Diana Asoketarige Ayamga says the attraction of quick money from illegal mining is drawing some boys away from education, adding to growing concerns about challenges confronting young people in the district.
The DCE said boys’ participation in education was declining in some communities as some young people increasingly turned to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in search of immediate income.
Speaking on Bolga FM’s Tinmaalgo Sanga on Friday, Madam Ayamga warned that abandoning education for short-term financial gains could have long-term consequences for young people and the development of the district.
She raised the concern while discussing broader challenges affecting children and adolescents in Bongo, including teenage pregnancy.
According to Madam Ayamga, a recent Ghana Health Service report places Bongo as the district with the second-highest number of teenage pregnancy cases in the Upper East Region.
She described the situation as worrying and called for stronger action from families, schools, traditional authorities, health officials and community leaders.
The DCE said her interactions with some girls in the district had provided insights into factors contributing to teenage pregnancy.
According to her, some of the girls identified poverty and peer pressure among the circumstances that expose them to decisions and relationships that could result in pregnancy.
Madam Ayamga said illegal mining presented another challenge, particularly for boys who may see the activity as an opportunity to make money instead of remaining in school.
She expressed concern that the prospect of immediate income could undermine the educational aspirations of young people who might otherwise remain in school and acquire skills for more sustainable livelihoods.
The DCE called for greater investment in education, skills development and sustainable economic opportunities to provide young people with alternatives.
She also urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s activities and provide the guidance and support needed to help them make informed decisions about their futures.
Madam Ayamga said tackling the challenges would require collaboration among the District Assembly, parents, schools, traditional leaders, health authorities and other stakeholders.
She said the Assembly would continue working with relevant institutions to address teenage pregnancy, school dropout and other challenges affecting young people across the district.
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