SOCIO-CULTURAL CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF SMALL-SCALE GOLD MINING IN UPPER DENKYIRA DISTRICT

Abstract

Increasingly, Ghana has been caught on the wrong side of mining activities from almost every comer of the country. Week in and out, news filters in about pollution of streams which serve as sources of drinking water to many, death of miners from collapsing pits and huge pits that have been left uncovered from excavation activities. This study is on the analysis of the socio-cultural causes and effects of small-scale gold mining in the Upper Denkyira district of Ghana using both qualitative and quantitative approach. The aim of the study was to examine the socio-cultural causes and effects of small -scale gold mining in Upper Denkyira district. The data suggest that for miners in Upper Denkyira gold mining is the primary source of household support, and an undesired activity if other income-generating options are available. Qualitative data were solicited from the study area through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The study revealed that, the negative effects associated with small-scale gold mining included the physical, social and cultural problems, with the physical repercussions having direct effect on socio-economic and cultural sustainability. Various strategies adopted by the communities to cope with the observed environmental stress include; alternative sources of livelihood and acculturation. It is evident from the study that participants sampled from different social groups helped bridge abstract thoughts into issues of relevance in environmental assessment. The findings from this study will assist policy makers to come to the realization that a healthier environment cannot be achieved without adequate involvement of local people who are agents and sufferers of environmental problems.