Mining in Atewa: Affecting student’s participation in the School Farm Project – Environmentalist

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During an interview on the Radio 1 Morning Show, Emmanuel Asamoah, a media consultant representing Blue Skies and an environmentalist, discussed the challenges faced by schools in the Atewa area in participating in the School Farm project.

According to him, these obstacles primarily revolve around the lack of student interest, the unavailability of land, and water pollution due to mining activities in the area.

As Mr. Asamoah explained, a significant issue hindering the project is students’ disinterest. Moreover, the mining operations in the region have led to the scarcity of suitable land and contaminated water sources. This mining-related dilemma is a pressing concern as it indicates the severe degradation of land in these affected areas.

One of the most concerning aspects of this situation is that schools in the region are unable to participate due to the detrimental effects of mining on their local environment.

For example, the Abuakwa State College, a Senior High School in Akyem Kyebi, and Akyem Adukrom JHS various other schools in the Eastern region have been unable to join the initiative. This is primarily because the rivers near these schools have become polluted by miners, containing non-dissolvable mercury.

This pollution poses a significant risk to both plant life and humans. Additionally, a substantial portion of the available land has been allocated for mining, rendering it unsuitable for agricultural purposes and potentially unsafe for students.

Emmanuel Asamoah emphasized, “Schools situated near mining areas are unable to participate in this project due to the lack of available land and the pollution of water bodies. The presence of mercury and syenite in these water bodies poses serious dangers to both plants and humans. Mercury, in particular, cannot be dissolved and may lead to cancer.”

However, it’s worth noting that certain schools in the vicinity have managed to participate in the project because they have not been significantly affected by these problems. Notable examples include Nsutam D/A Junior High School and Saviour School.

The School Farm of the Year initiative aims to inspire young minds to consider farming as a rewarding career option. It not only nurtures the farmers of tomorrow but also educates students on agriculture and farming as a business. Participants receive training in agronomy and cultivate a variety of crops on their school’s land.

Prizes are awarded based on entrepreneurship, innovation, and farm success, encouraging schools to excel in their agricultural endeavours and contribute to the nation’s agricultural growth. This initiative is a beacon of hope for the future of farming in Ghana, fostering a generation passionate about agriculture and its potential to drive economic prosperity.

By: Radiooneghana.com/Quincy-Jones Sesay