Child advocacy organisation, Compassion International Ghana, in collaboration with environmental activists, is calling for urgent action to combat the rising trend of exploitation for illegal mining activities.

The call was made during the sixth edition of the Thriving Child Seminar Series, held in honour of the organisation’s 20th anniversary and the Day of the African Child.

Illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, continues to endanger the lives of Ghana’s children; threatening their health, safety, and access to education.

Speaking to JoyNews, the National Director of Compassion International Ghana, Kobina Yeboah Okyere, noted that the rights of children are often ignored in illegal mining zones.

He called for collective efforts from government agencies, youth groups, churches, and faith-based organisations.

“We encourage the Church to lend its voice to this issue,” he urged. “Educate communities, support alternative livelihoods, and call out members engaged in galamsey. State agencies must also step up to protect our water bodies not just for us, but for future generations.”

Environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor expressed grave concern over the growing health risks in galamsey-affected areas.

He highlighted increasing cases of childhood cancer and kidney diseases among children in illegal mining hotspots across Ghana.

“We're seeing more childhood cancers and kidney ailments than ever before. Many of these children are from galamsey zones. At this point, this should be a national emergency,” he said.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, through its Department of Children, assured the public that vulnerable children forced into illegal mining due to poverty would be supported through the Teenage Mothers Re-entry Programme and other re-entry policies.

“When there's money flowing in these communities, especially from foreigners, girls are particularly vulnerable to transactional sex. Keeping children in school must be a top priority,” a ministry representative stated.

Fafanyo Kukubor, Senior Gender and Legal Officer at the Minerals Commission, urged the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to clamp down on companies exploiting child labour in gold production.

“GoldBod must act swiftly to clean up supply chains and enforce sustainability sanctions where child exploitation is evident.”

As Ghana battles the persistent challenges of illegal mining, Compassion International Ghana and environmental activists are delivering a clear message: no amount of gold is worth a child’s future.