SMALL-SCALE GOLD MINING AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WA EAST DISTRICT OF GHANA

Abstract

Small-scale gold mining has been an issue for discussion for some time now in Ghana as a result of its disadvantaged socio-economic and environmental implications amidst the advantages of the activity. The objectives of the study are to identify the driving forces influencing people's engagement in small-scale gold mining, to analyse the methods and processes used by small-scale gold miners in Wa East to extract gold ore, to ascertain the positive implications of small-scale gold mining in the study area, to find out the negative implications of small-scale gold mining in Wa East District and to identify strategies adopted by the community and institutions to enhance cleaner small-scale gold mining for the development of Wa East District. To achieve the aim of this study, both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Key informant interviews, focus group discussion and direct observation were used to triangulate secondary data sources. Despite the advantages of employment creation and positive livelihood change, the presence of small-scale gold mining in the study area has resulted to change in community lifestyle with serious consequences on formal education and low agricultural output resulting in increased food prices. Malaria, Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), Diarrhoea and Skin Disease are the major diseases which are prevalent in the study area and are attributed to the small-scale gold mining in the study area. Even though strategies have been put in place by institution, they are not implemented. The identified disadvantages of small-scale gold mining serve as a wake-up call to the Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Health and Sanitation Agency and the Department of Community Development to employ measures in maximizing advantages accrued from the activity whilst reducing the disadvantages of the resulting activity in the study area.