Impacts of Illegal Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (Galamsey) on the Livelihoods of Cocoa Farming Communities: A Case of Amansie West District, Ghana

17 Pages Posted: 22 Aug 2023

See all articles by Peter Donkor

Peter Donkor

Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)

Ebenezer K. Siabi

University of Energy & Natural Resources; Earth Observation Research and Innovation Center

Kwasi Frimpong

Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)

Prince Twum Frimpong

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Samuel Kofi Mensah

Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)

Christopher Vuu

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Elikplim Sarah Siabi

University of Energy & Natural Resources

Emmanuel Kwasi Nyantakyi

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Felix Agariga

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Thomas Atta-Darkwa

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Jacob Mensah

Tamale Technical University

Abstract

This study examines the impact of illegal Artisanal and Small-scale gold Mining (ASGM) on the livelihoods of cocoa farming communities in the Amansie West District of Ghana. A simple random sampling method was employed, with 150 respondents selected. The study primarily focused on male respondents aged 36-50, predominantly with senior high school education. The major issues posed by ASGM to the livelihoods of cocoa farming communities include land availability, labor availability, unprecedented floods, and uncovered mining pits. Additionally, the respondents reported losing their farms to ASGM, often through agreements made with those involved in mining. Political influence and corruption were identified as factors driving ASGM activities. Furthermore, respondents mentioned trading portions of their farmlands for ASGM due to the lucrative nature of the industry. These findings highlight the urgent need for policymakers and stakeholders to promote sustainable mining practices and raise awareness about the negative impacts of ASGM on natural resources. The study's results provide valuable insights into the perspectives of farmers and contribute to the understanding of how illegal ASGM affects rural livelihoods. The study's findings align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

Keywords: Keywords: Ghana, Galamsey, Cocoa farming, Illegal artisanal and small-scale gold mining, Livelihoods

Suggested Citation

Donkor, Peter and Siabi, Ebenezer K. and Frimpong, Kwasi and Frimpong, Prince Twum and Mensah, Samuel Kofi and Vuu, Christopher and Siabi, Elikplim Sarah and Nyantakyi, Emmanuel Kwasi and Agariga, Felix and Atta-Darkwa, Thomas and Mensah, Jacob, Impacts of Illegal Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (Galamsey) on the Livelihoods of Cocoa Farming Communities: A Case of Amansie West District, Ghana. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4547812 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4547812

Peter Donkor (Contact Author)

Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) ( email )

Ebenezer K. Siabi

University of Energy & Natural Resources ( email )

Earth Observation Research and Innovation Center

P. O. Box 214
Sunyani
Sunyani, 00233
Ghana

Kwasi Frimpong

Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) ( email )

Prince Twum Frimpong

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Samuel Kofi Mensah

Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) ( email )

Christopher Vuu

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana ( email )

Department of Biochemistry and Biotiotechnology
KNUST
Kumasi, 233
Ghana

Elikplim Sarah Siabi

University of Energy & Natural Resources ( email )

Emmanuel Kwasi Nyantakyi

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Felix Agariga

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Thomas Atta-Darkwa

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Jacob Mensah

Tamale Technical University ( email )

P. O Box 3 E/R
Tamale
Ghana

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