Nana Yaw Osei Adutwum Jnr, a Ghanaian student studying at a university in the United States of America, has organized an academic quiz and debate for 11 Senior High Schools in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region.
The initiative, which forms part of his academic project, seeks to capture the views of Ghanaian students on global challenges, particularly the environmental and socio-economic implications of mining.
The debate provided a vibrant platform for the participating schools to discuss issues surrounding small-scale mining, large-scale mining, and illegal mining, examining both the challenges these activities pose to Ghana’s environment and the potential opportunities they present.
Beyond awarding the top-performing schools, the event also served as an advocacy platform to promote awareness about the environmental impact of mining and the need for sustainable practices.
Participated schools were OSASS, STEM Girls, STEM Boys, Tetrefu TVET, Jachie Pramso SHS, Beposo SHS, St. George’s SHS, and Oyoko SHS, among others.
Speaking to GHOne News, Nana Yaw explained that his university assigned him a 4,000-word paper on a global issue, prompting him to return home to address a matter close to his heart and community.
“I decided to focus on mining looking at illegal mining, small-scale mining, and large-scale operations like Anglogold Ashanti and Newmont, which I have visited. I wanted to gather opinions from young people, particularly Junior and Senior High School students, hence the organization of this debate,” he said.
He commended the Bosomtwe District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) for their support, adding that the event gave young people an opportunity to collectively voice their concerns about environmental preservation.
Nana Yaw disclosed plans to organize similar events in the future to champion environmental conservation, alongside his regular football competitions for communities within the district in 2023 and 2024.
“At the end of this year, I will organize a soccer competition in the district, and next year, there will be another debate on a different environmental issue. This is not a one-time initiative,” he assured.
Aspiring to become a biochemical engineer, Nana Yaw emphasized that his interest lies in protecting people and the environment rather than focusing on the financial gains of mining. He noted that the contributions from the youth during the debate would serve as valuable data to inform global discussions on Ghana’s mining sector.
All participating schools received certificates and cash prizes, while the best-performing schools were awarded laptops.
The event was attended by the Bosomtwe District Director of Education, former Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe Constituency, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, as well as heads of various Senior High Schools in the district.
The debate was held under the theme: “Is Mining a Pillar of Sustainable Development?”
Source: www.kumasimail.com
