The effect of stone quarry on basic education : the case of Paanor electoral area in Ga South Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

The issue of children involvement in the quarry business in Ghana has attracted attention both internationally and locally. The study critically examined the effects of stone quarry on the basic education children in the Paanor community in Ghana. A descriptive survey was used for this study. The population selected involves parents, teachers, and students in the community. The respondents were chosen using a simple random method. The study included one hundred (100) students, thirty (30) teachers, and twenty (20) parents. The primary method for data collection was questionnaires. Three sets of questions were used, one for students and the other two for teachers and parents. The questionnaires items were sorted into two categories: one was about the respondents' backgrounds, and the other was regarding the research topic. The study's findings revealed that students' participation in quarry operations has a potential detrimental impact on school attendance and academic performance. Students who attend school consistently do very well, while absent students perform poorly. The study also found out that poverty, insufficient educational needs and recreational facilities, broken homes, and parental pressure were the primary reasons for students' engagement in quarrying. The study advised that the new educational reform and free compulsory universal basic education be enforced effectively in the community. It is also important that parents and teachers educate their students and children respectively on the significance of education and advocate for more recreational facilities in the school. It is recommended that the local authorities should enact bye-laws that encourage parents to make sure their children attend school regularly.