Effects Of Small-Scale Gold Mining On Livelihoods Of Selected Mining Communities In Obuasi Municipal Assembly, Ghana

Abstract

Small-scale gold mining and its effect has been an interesting area of study for many researchers. Most of these studies posit that poverty is the main predisposing factor that pushes people into illegal small-scale mining (Opoku-Ware, 2010). In a similar study conducted by Awumbila and Tsikata (2004), they found that unemployment is the reason why several people in their region take up mining. Also, Danyo and Osei-Bonsu (2016) noted that unlawful small-scale mining negatively affects farmers wellbeing and food production in Ghana. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effects of small-scale gold mining on the livelihoods of residents of mining communities within the Obuasi Municipal Assembly. Specifically, the study sought to identify the factors that influence residents of mining community‘s engagement in small-scale mining (SSM) and assess the effects of small-scale mining (SSM) activities on the livelihoods of residents in the Obuasi Municipal Assembly. Additionally, it sought to examine the coping strategies of residents whose livelihood had been affected by SSM activities within the Obuasi Municipal Assembly. The study used concurrent triangulation mixed method design and a sample of 406 respondents. In general, the study found that small-scale gold mining is plagued with conspicuous negative social and environmental consequences that affect the livelihood and wellbeing of members of affected communities in the study area. has a lot of negative consequences. In the same vein, the social and environmental consequences are conspicuous. Additionally, the study discovered that illegal mining is one of the primary sources of income for the majority of Obuasi residents, despite the fact that some individuals continue to work in agriculture or engage in both unlawful mining and farming activities.