Galamsey is affecting learning ability of students – GNAT

• Posted on September 12, 2024September 12, 2024
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Tanko Musah has said that the galamsey menace has affected the brains of students, thus hampering academic work.

Mr Musah and other leaders of organised labour have therefore called on President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency.

The leadership expressed grave concern about the impact of galamsey activities on the cognitive development of students and residents in the mining communities.

“Those in the schools now, their brains have been affected because of the chemicals we use. It has affected them because they drink the water”.

“We are very particular of their head, after destroying it, they come and we say we are giving them one nutritious meal. Which meal can destroy what mercury has damaged? Based upon these things, we are asking the President to act now,” he urged.

The General secretary of GAWU, Andy Tagoe, condemned the practice of galamsey.

“Already, we have problems with pesticides and coming to add the galamsey effect doubles the problem,” he pointed out.

The General Secretary of Local Government Workers Union, Christopher Abokah, cautioned against political influence in galamsey activities.

“It is not about NPP, it is not about NDC, it is not about whoever comes to power, we don’t need that kind of political interference,” he stated.