The dynamics and livelihood implications of illegal mining in Ghana: A critical assessment

Discourses on illegal or informal small-scale mining (galamsey) have presented it largely as a menace. Using Ghana as the focus of our study, we present a counter-narrative to the predominant discourse. Employing qualitative in-depth interviews with 193 local galamsey operators, the study found that economic factors coupled with the combative posture of state regulatory agencies explain the persistence of illegal activity. Although galamsey is not problem-free, the study revealed it is the livelihood support base of such communities, providing jobs and incomes to many households. Since mineral-rich local communities, at least, in part, depend on galamsey, the state and its regulatory agencies could collaboratively work with local agencies and mineral-rich communities to fully exploit the hidden treasures in galamsey while reducing the proximate negative effects.

Automated summary

This study on galamsey in Ghana challenges the prevailing discourse by highlighting the economic factors and confrontational approach of state regulatory agencies as reasons for its persistence. It reveals that while galamsey is not without problems, it serves as a source of livelihood for local communities, providing jobs and income to many households. Therefore, the state and its regulatory agencies should collaborate with local agencies and mineral-rich communities to fully utilize the hidden treasures in galamsey while minimizing its negative effects.