Historical and Modern Artisanal Small-Scale Mining in Akyem Abuakwa, Ghana

Abstract

This article reviews continuities and transformations within indigenous mining technology, shareholding patterns, and environmental impacts and provides the basis for analyzing the dynamics of small-scale gold mining. This research, which suggests that modern artisanal mining is infringing on the fundamental human rights of the people of Abuakwa and has undermined traditional authority in the state, provides a basis for understanding the microprocesses associated with mining and the importance of mining in the economic history of Akyem Abuakwa and adds to the depth of literature on the economic history of West Africa.