The Impact of Illicit Gold Mining on School Dropout: A Case of Senior High Schools in Asante Akim Municipality

Abstract

Studies indicate a continuous relationship between illicit mining and children's education. This study therefore sought to examine the ramifications of illicit mining on school dropout in the Asante Akim Central Municipality, Ghana. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select 360 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaires and structured interview guides. A correlational research design was adopted, and data were analyzed using linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and standard deviation. The study identified three leading factors that motivate students to engage in illicit mining: poverty (M = 3.9222, SD = 1.19169), perceived lack of employment opportunities after school (M = 3.5972, SD = 1.42657), and disinterest in schooling (M = 3.5611, SD = 1.38501). Significant positive relationships were found between illicit mining and school dropout (R = 0.178, p < 0.05), students' academic performance (R = 0.206, p < 0.05), and health risks and diseases (R = 0.312, p < 0.05). Effective implementation of legal frameworks to prevent school-age children from engaging in mining activities is imperative to address this educational challenge. Additionally, vocational and technical education should be intensified to equip students with employable skills in the shortest possible time.