The Socio-Economic Implications of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining on Mining Communities in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Small-Scale Mining (SSM) predates Large-Scale Mining (LSM) in Ghana but was relegated to the background in the 1980s following the Economic Reforms and Structural Adjustment Programmes which heavily liberalized the mining sector. Conversely, the small-scale mining sector continues to boom attracting a large chunk of the labour force in the mining sector. The small-scale mining sector has affected the livelihoods of several thousands of people especially those living in mining communities across the country. This study sought to ascertain the impact of small-scale mining on the livelihoods of people living in mining communities in the Northern Ghana. The study aimed at examining the socio-economic effects of artisanal and small-scale mining on the mining communities in northern Ghana. The approaches that were used to gather and analyse the data for the study included qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The study shows that the impact of small-scale Mining activities on livelihoods has been both positive and negative. It is recommended that small-scale mining firms should be required by law to introduce Alternative Livelihood Programmes or Interventions in the communities where they operate. Thus, communities can cope with the adverse effects of mining activities on their livelihoods.