ADVERTISEMENT
How children in Ghana as young as 5 risk their lives working in mines
The report indicated that as the children, who are between five and 17 years work in those sites, they are exposed to mercury which causes injury to the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs as well as the entire immune system.
___5804662___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___5804662___2016___11___24___13___e0c1b1cf78d821cd04809bea3e9d3754
Recommended articles
The mining law indicates that “persons under 18 years are prohibited from mining. In addition, persons under 21 years are not allowed to work underground”.
But the report has revealed that children who are mainly below 18 years are seen underground, where they get exposed to dust, noise, and vibration as well as poor ventilation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Consequences
The report revealed that many of the children had developed awkward postures following the long periods that they have to bend while they look for diamonds separate gold ore from other sand particles at the mine sites.
READ ALSO: Galamsey pit kills two pupils at Meretweso
Others had also become the breadwinners of their families since they earned a lot of money which was used to cater for their families. Meanwhile, those in school used the money earned to pay their fees.
Following the findings, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United States Department of Labour launched a new project in Accra to deal with child labour in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector in Ghana and the Philippines.
ADVERTISEMENT
The new project called the “Caring Gold Mining Project” was to bring together all stakeholders to fight against child labour as well as to put in place strategies that will ensure improved working conditions in the artisanal and small-scale mining in Ghana.
The mining sites where the projects would be implemented were Adumenu in the Ashanti Region and Morchkrom, Achimfo as well as Dadieso, all in Asankragua in the Western Region.
Speaking at the launch of the project, the Project Director of ILO, Ghana, Mrs Lalaina M. Razafindrakoto, said according to the Ghana National Association of Small-scale Miners, 70 per cent of artisanal and small-scale gold miners operated without licenses.
She said, as a result, many of the activities of the small-scale miners were unregulated, a situation which leads to poor working conditions and many of the children working under such conditions.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
She sent naked photos to Dubai lover while I battled kidney disease - Erico speaks on divorce
How did young politicians get so rich in just 5 to 7 years - Franklin Cudjoe asks
Artificial Intelligence will affect around 40% of the global workforce — IMF
May God open your eyes to see the good in this government - Akufo-Addo prays
Police officer dies after colliding with stationary truck while chasing traffic offender
AG's office chases Alex Mould, Gavivina for GHS5 million bail bond for jailed MASLOC CEO
St Patrick Hospital suspends Muslim staff for taking break to observe Eid festivities
GPRTU proposes 30% increase in transportation fares
