Governance for Sustainable Sand Mining in Two Selected Local Government Areas in the Central Region of Ghana

Abstract

Governance systems are supposed to develop and manage natural resources for sustainable development. All groups of people with different interests can constructively contribute to sustainable sand mining for national development. This paper examines how governance processes affect sustainable sand mining in two local government areas in the Central Region of Ghana. Data were collected from household heads, core staff of the Assemblies, tipper truck drivers’ association, traditional authorities and farmer groups by the use of interview schedules, interview and focus group discussion guides. SPSS was used to analyze the quantitative data while content analysis was used for qualitative data. The study revealed that there were no coordinated institutional arrangements among the various stakeholders, limited enforcement and compliance of laws derail sustainable sand mining and livelihoods in the affected areas. It recommends that Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, the police and the Assemblies should partner to ensure reclamation and compensation packages.