Grand Kru County Superintendent Antonittee Worwele Nimely, has raised concerns over the growing exposure of children to illegal mining activities.
The activities are mostly associated with illicit drugs in parts of the county.
Supt. Nimely has meanwhile, warned that if nothing is done to contain the menace, the trend will pose a direct threat to the future of the youth.
At a day-long visit to Dwekan, Buah District on Friday, April 3, the Supt. Nimely strongly criticized the increasing number of children being drawn to mining at the disadvantage of their education.
She called on parents, guardians, and local authorities to take urgent steps to remove children from “hazardous labor and return them to school.
According to Supt. Nimely, the county cannot afford to watch its future generation become trapped in dangerous environments that expose them, not only to physical harm, but to substance abuse and social decay.
“Children are the future leaders, Supt. Nimely said, adding that today’s boys and girls have the potential to become tomorrow’s ministers, directors, and even presidents if given access to proper education.
The superintendent warning comes amid growing reports that some children in some of the predominately mining communities have abandoned school to engage in “gold and mineral digging activities;” a practice that local observers say, has also increased their vulnerability to drug use, exploitation, and criminal influence.
Supt. Nimely has meanwhile, announced plans to establish a special county taskforce to monitor mining sites in Buah District, and other parts of the county.
Under the proposed measure, any child found working at mining sites will be immediately removed, while both the parents and the owners of such sites will be arrested and send to court.
Community members say the situation reflects deeper socio-economic pressures, including poverty, limited school access, and weak regulation of mining activities in rural communities.