Abstract:
Small-scale mining has gained much recognition throughout the world. In Ghana it
employs thousands of people and affects the livelihoods of many households located
within the catchment areas of the mines. The study examined small-scale mining
operations and their effects on the livelihoods of people the East Akim Municipal
Assembly. In addition, the coping strategies adapted by affected individuals were also
indentified. Four communities within the municipality were selected for the study. A total
of 260 respondents were contacted for relevant information and the main research
instruments used were questionnaires and interviews. The findings of the study show that
the main method of mining in the studied communities is surface mining. With this
method, about 54% of respondents serve as porters who engage in fetching of sand that
has been dug to be washed for gold. Besides, over 95% of the miners in the municipality
operate illegally, without any valid mining license. The study further revealed that small-
scale mining activities have caused both positive and negative effects on livelihoods of
people in the East Akim Municipality. The positive effects include generation of
employment and income, increase in compensation, contributions to community
development and improvement in trading activities. Some of the negative effects include
degradation of forest cover and farmlands, creating of dangerous pits and trenches and
pollution of water bodies. In terms of socio-economic effects, the study revealed high cost
of living, high rate of school dropout, absenteeism and drug abuse. In order to cope with
the adverse effects of the small-scale mining, respondents adapted several strategies such
as farming on alternative lands, fetching water from boreholes and buying of sachet water
for domestic use. The study recommends that small-scale mining activities must be
monitored and degraded lands should be reclaimed. In addition, compensations packages
must be given to affected farmers including the provision of alternative water sources.
