Brilliant SHS graduate now turns to galamsey to make ends meet

Stephen Koomson, an exceptional student who achieved outstanding results in the 2021 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), has unfortunately found himself involved in illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey’, in order to make ends meet.

Despite his impressive academic record, which included 5As and 3Bs across various subjects, Stephen has been unable to pursue higher education since 2021 due to financial constraints. As a result, he has resorted to engaging in galamsey and other low-paying jobs to support himself and provide assistance to his younger siblings.

A tweet shared by popular entertainment blogger Ameyaw Debrah brought attention to Stephen’s situation. The tweet featured a picture of Stephen diligently working with a shovel in a galamsey pit. The post highlighted the ambitious student’s plight and his active search for scholarship opportunities and any possible means to return to school.

The tweet read, “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.”

Stephen’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by talented students who are unable to pursue their educational dreams due to financial limitations, pushing them into difficult circumstances in search of livelihood options.

Source: AdomOnline