Artisanal and small-scale mining formalization in Ghana: The government's approach and its implications for cleaner and safer production

Abstract

This paper identifies and examines nine factors that affect formalization of informal artisanal and small-scale mining in Ghana. Despite a series of efforts to ensure cleaner and safer production, informal artisanal and small-scale mining continues to expand with the resulting increase in environmental pollution and damage. The nine factors form what is described in the paper as the ASM anti-formalization pyramid with corruption, involvement of political leaders in informal mining, and political interference in the formalization process as the top three factors. The crucial argument is that informal artisanal and small-scale mining will continue to expand, devastate the environment, and threaten communities if the anti-formalization factors are not properly addressed. The government must cede authority to regulatory institutions and ensure their independence to operate in accordance with the laws and regulations.