A STUDY OF SMALL SCALE MINING ACTIVITIES IN THE TALENSI/NABDAM DISTRICT OF GHANA

Abstract

Small scale mining has been a source of livelihood for many people worldwide. Small scale mining in Ghana dates back to six centuries. Over the last two decades, Ghana has experienced a rapid and unprecedented upsurge in small scale mining activities. Some concerns have been raised among others over the devastating effects of small scale mining on the environment and livelihoods. Small scale mining has been going on in the Talensi/Nabdam district for over three decades with recent media reports of the deplorable and hazardous conditions under which the miners work. The report raised some fundamental -issues on small scale mining as a livelihood activity in Ghana and the Talensi/Nabdam district in particular, leading to this study. The research design adopted the descriptive survey method with questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions being the main survey instruments. Data gathered from the field were analyzed using SPSS and Excel and presented in tables and charts. The results of the survey revealed that small scale miners in the Talensi/Nabdam District are predominantly operating without licenses and operate in very deplorable conditions with rampant mine accidents . The activity has however, provided employment for the people, especially the youth, thus, reducing the unemployment situation in the district. Small scale mining enhances the livelihoods of miners and their households as they depend on it for their basic needs. It is recommended that the processes leading to the acquisition of licenses be simplified. One other recommendation is that the miners should be taken through training on health and safety mining by the District Assembly to help curb the accidents at the mining site since small scale mining, if regulated can reduce the level of poverty in the district.