Critical factors impacting psychosocial well-being of mining-induced displaced and resettled persons in Ghana

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The study examines critical factors influencing psychosocial well-being (PWB) of mining-induced displaced and resettled persons. Employing cross-sectional research design, 120 participants were drawn from three mining-induced resettled communities by three displacers using stratified random sampling method. Exploratory factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted, and the suitability of our data for factor analysis was assessed through Bartlett's test of Sphericity, revealing significance (p < 0.05), and a high Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure of sampling adequacy (KMO = 0.759). The findings shed light on the interplay of critical factors such as the socioeconomic environment and community infrastructure, social harmony and cultural integration, community connectivity and recreational facilities, and basic needs and security. These factors significantly impact the psychosocial well-being of individuals who have been displaced and resettled due to mining activities. Each of these factors includes specific variables that directly influence the well-being of the affected population. Additionally, the research uncovered that individuals affected by mining-induced displacement and resettlement undergo a decline in psychosocial well-being due to continuous exposure to these identified factors. To address these findings, the researchers developed a psychosocial well-being framework. This framework aims to guide policies regarding displacement and resettlement resulting from mining activities, emphasizing sustained livelihood options and social equity post-resettlement. The study recommends that future research should investigate how mining-induced displacement and resettlement affect other vulnerable groups, such as tenants who are not included in the resettlement process.