Meet the ‘galamseyer’ who obtained 5As and 3Bs in WASSCE but was forced to mine because of poverty

Koomson Stephen, a brilliant student who achieved outstanding results in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2021, has found himself involved in illegal mining, known as ‘galamsey’, as a means to overcome financial difficulties.

Koomson, a former student of Mpohor Senior High School, attained an impressive academic record with 5As and 3Bs across various subjects.

Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, the brilliant student has been unable to pursue higher education since 2021, Instead, he has resorted to engaging in galamsey and other menial jobs in order to support himself and provide assistance to his younger siblings.

A tweet shared by popular entertainment blogger Ameyaw Debrah displayed Koomson diligently working with a shovel in a galamsey pit.

Ameyaw Debrah's post shed light on Koomson's situation, bringing attention to the plight of the ambitious student. The tweet mentioned that Koomson who had five (5As) in his WASSCE including Mathematics, Integrated Science, Religious and Moral Education, Government, and Geography is actively seeking scholarship opportunities and any possible means to return to school.

“Koomson Stephen is a graduate of Mpohor SHS in the western region with 5As and 3Bs in his WASSCE in 2021. Due to financial constraints and other circumstances beyond him, the needy but brilliant student has abandoned education since 2021 and joined in "Galamsey" artisanal mining and other menial jobs to survive and also support other junior siblings,” part of his post read.

The issue of galamsey has long been a contentious topic in Ghana, as illegal mining activities pose significant environmental and social challenges to the wellbeing of Ghanaians.

Koomson Stephen is a graduate of Mpohor SHS in the western region with 5As and 3Bs in his WASSCE in 2021.

Due to financial constraints and other circumstances beyond him, the needy but brilliant student has abandoned education since 2021 and joined in "Galamsey" artisanal mining… pic.twitter.com/AGWpTPO7fk

— Ameyaw Debrah (@AmeyawDebrah) June 12, 2023