Activities of illegal miners in the area have claimed several lives through the use of illegal mining pits.

Even though a directive was given by John Peter Amewu for all such pits in the area to be closed, the directive is yet to be adhered to hence their call.

On Friday 7th April 2017, seven illegal miners died when they were trapped by smoke in their attempt to steal ore from Shaanxi mining through one of the Galamsey kingpins Akwasi Appiah, who has since been arrested.

The galamsey kingpins usually construct illegal mining pits, fence and lock them up, and only open them at night.

They then engage the services of the youth who find their way into the mines of Shaanxi mining limited to steal gold ore.

Citi News uncovered this when one of the key players in the galamsey business,  Akwasi Appiah, also known as Kwesi Bantama, was arrested by the Bolgatanga police, during which he led them to his illegal pit in Gbane.

Human Resource Manager of Shaanxi Mining Company, Joseph Anokye, told Citi News how the activities of these illegal miners are gravely affecting their company.

“There are three illegal pits constructed by Akwesi Appiah known as Kwesi Bantama, Issifu and Kofi Machio in their homes, and they have connected their pits into the underground of our mine. This kingpin on daily basis engage the services of residents aged 12 years and above, to go through their pits to Shaanxi mine to steal our ore, blasts our support pillars with  which we prevent collapse of the underground, and also brutalize our underground workers with guns and other weapons.”

“Their activities have caused a loss of production and a reduction of our ore mine, and it’s putting their own lives and the lives of our workers in danger” he noted.

Mr. Peter Amewu on August 10, 2017, directed the Upper East Regional Minister, Rockson Bukari, and the Regional police commander, DCOP Vincent Redeemer, to ensure that all illegal pits in the area are sealed. But Rockson Bukari says a committee has been constituted to come out with modalities for the closure of the pits.

But Shaanxi mining company’s Human resource manager, Joseph Anokye, fears more deaths will be recorded if all the illegal pits in the area are not sealed immediately.

“We have relied on the regulation authorities and agencies to resolve this illegal pits issue. We have written several letters to these agencies, and recently when seven young people died trying to steal ore in our underground. The sector minister, John Peter Amewu, came to this mine and instructed that, the Regional Minister Rockson Bukari and the Regional Police commander DCOP Vincent Redeemer should ensure the closure of these illegal pits  which to us is the solution to illegal mining in this area.”

“…But regrettably enough, up till now, the illegal pits are still active and are being used to continue illegal activities in the area”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Akwasi Appiah, the galamsey kingpin, has declined to comment on his arrest.

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By: Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post More deaths imminent over illegal pits – Mining firm appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Many might say that the concept is simple and overtly scientific, that a father is someone, who has a child which he helped a woman to conceive, via the fertilization of one of her eggs with one of his spermatozoa.

And many others, probably most people around the world, might argue that fatherhood supersedes what Science stipulates, in that a father is always there for his children, cheering them on in the game of life, advising them, based on his varied experiences, granting a shoulder for them to cry upon, when their hearts are troubled.

“Nobody  is taught to be a father,” Dr. Charles J. Buckman asserted in an interview with Jessica on the Traffic Avenue, in a celebratory run-up towards Fathers’ Day, which falls on Sunday, June 15th, this year.
“The [ability to father a child, successfully, is a skill that is acquired on the job.] You only learn to be a father by actually being a father.”

Dr. Buckman, an expert on and activist for effective parenting, listed the five pillars of fatherhood as being Faith, Family, Friends, Finances and Future.

He also said that a man’s Spouse is a plus to this list.

Furthermore,  Dr. Buckman maintains that a father’s role is to direct, to provide, to correct and to protect, based on the pillars of fatherhood.

“The saying goes that a family that prays together, stays together. Faith is [an invaluable tool in sustaining the father-child bond and it’s the father, who must lead in this regard,] as the head of the home,” advises Dr. Buckman.

“A father is tasked to choose his friends wisely. He should have supportive friends, who are ever willing to share parental experiences, friends who are interested in the well-being of your kids.”

Dr. Buckman went on to elaborate on the importance of finances in fatherhood:

” In order to provide education, shelter, food, toys, clothes and many other things for your children, you need money. So a father has to work hard; but you must also teach your kids about finances and get them to spend wisely and to develop a culture of saving, from a very early age. Let them understand the value of money and that it is hard work that produces it.”

Additionally, the activist and motivational speaker outlined the teachings of his book, “21 Ways to be a fabulous father”.  The first lesson of the piece encourages fathers to respect the mothers of their children.
“When fathers treat mothers badly, the frustrated mother most likely takes it out on the children,” he lamented.

Other lessons from his elaborate handbook-of-sorts encapsulate spending quality time with your children, leading your children by example, earning the right to be heard by your children, realizing that a father’s job is never done, and a host of others.

Dr. Buckman also urged fathers to use seasons of excitement, such as the 2014 World Cup tournament, to spend quality time with their children.

“Fathers need to be a present force in their children’s lives and [not a distant shadow]. Spend time with your kids, no matter how old they get, or [how many greys you grow].”

Dr. Buckman wrapped it all up with some news for every child, who has ever wondered why his or her father seems not to care:”And children, celebrate and appreciate your fathers, every day. You can begin with Fathers’ Day, this year. If your father feels needed in your life, then he will [make it a point to show up and stay forever].”

By: Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Fatherhood is a skill that should be nurtured – Charles Buckman appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.