RESEARCH INTO SMALL SCALE MINING FORMALIZATION IN GHANA

The report examines the tension between the economic benefits of small-scale mining (ASM) and its severe environmental and social costs in Ghana. While ASM provides livelihoods for approximately one million people and supports community infrastructure, the majority operate illegally as 'galamsey' due to bureaucratic licensing hurdles. The research highlights extreme environmental degradation, including river pollution and deforestation, often exacerbated by mechanized operations introduced by foreign nationals. It argues against a blanket ban, suggesting instead a decentralized, cooperative-based formalization process supported by a special environmental tax and improved state monitoring.

• Small-scale mining is a critical economic driver in Ghana, with an estimated one million participants representing approximately 10% of the national workforce. It is estimated that about 30% of the country's total gold output is derived from these activities.
• Despite the existence of the Small-Scale Gold Mining Law 1989 (PNDCL 218) and the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703), a vast majority of operators remain unregulated. It is estimated that over 70% of those engaged in the enterprise operate without permits, partly due to long delays and bureaucratic hurdles in the licensing regime.
• Galamsey operations provide significant local development benefits, including the construction of schools, clinics, and residential palaces, as well as the provision of borehole water and electricity extension to remote communities.
• The involvement of Chinese nationals has shifted galamsey from subsistence-level activity to heavily mechanized operations, leading to increased mercury usage and severe destruction of river bodies like the Ankobra, Pra, and Birim.
• Environmental and health impacts are severe, including the creation of 'death traps' through uncovered mining pits, deforestation of over 80% of forest reserves in some communities, and a high incidence of malaria caused by stagnant water in abandoned pits.
• Small-scale mining negatively affects education and social stability, contributing to increased school dropout rates, teenage pregnancy, and the rise of armed robbery in mining districts.
• The research argues that a blanket ban on galamsey is impractical and would likely cause mass unemployment and social unrest, as many youth view it as their only viable source of income compared to farming.
• To achieve formalization, the report recommends establishing mining cooperatives, decentralizing the permit process, and implementing a special environmental tax to fund land reclamation.

APA

BAAH, D. K. A., ARYEE, D., & OWUSU, T. S. F. O. (n.d.). RESEARCH INTO SMALL SCALE MINING FORMALIZATION IN GHANA. Good Governance Africa. https://digitalmallblobstorage.blob.core.windows.net/wp-content/2018/04/GGA_Small-Scale-Mining_Research-Report-.pdf

Chicago

BAAH, DR. KINGSLEY ARKORFUL, DINAH ARYEE, and TEY SHEILA FREMPONG OSEI OWUSU. RESEARCH INTO SMALL SCALE MINING FORMALIZATION IN GHANA. Good Governance Africa, n.d. https://digitalmallblobstorage.blob.core.windows.net/wp-content/2018/04/GGA_Small-Scale-Mining_Research-Report-.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=BAAH |first1=DR. KINGSLEY ARKORFUL |last2=ARYEE |first2=DINAH |last3=OWUSU |first3=TEY SHEILA FREMPONG OSEI |title=RESEARCH INTO SMALL SCALE MINING FORMALIZATION IN GHANA |publisher=Good Governance Africa |url=https://digitalmallblobstorage.blob.core.windows.net/wp-content/2018/04/GGA_Small-Scale-Mining_Research-Report-.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{baahndresearch, author = {BAAH, DR. KINGSLEY ARKORFUL and ARYEE, DINAH and OWUSU, TEY SHEILA FREMPONG OSEI}, title = {{RESEARCH INTO SMALL SCALE MINING FORMALIZATION IN GHANA}}, institution = {Good Governance Africa}, url = {https://digitalmallblobstorage.blob.core.windows.net/wp-content/2018/04/GGA_Small-Scale-Mining_Research-Report-.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }