Unemployment and poverty pushed us into dangerous underground mining – Atwima Kwanwoma miners
Some youth engaged in underground mining in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region say unemployment and poverty have forced them into the dangerous activity despite the risk to their lives.
In the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region, a group of young individuals have turned to perilous underground mining due to unemployment and financial hardship. Despite possessing higher education, the miners find themselves unable to secure stable jobs, thus resorting to the dangerous mining profession to sustain themselves and their families.
Kwame Asah, known as Tagor, shared his experience in an interview, stating that he had been engaged in underground mining for over seven years after completing his senior high school education. His decision to leave his hometown, Ejura, stemmed from a lack of financial assistance to further his studies. While Tagor acknowledged that underground mining is less destructive to natural resources compared to surface mining, he also admitted to the substantial dangers inherent in the occupation.
He expressed a willingness to abandon the job if alternative employment opportunities became available, given the constant threat of pit collapses. The miners have urged the government to prioritize job creation and provide sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
