Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts of the Ban on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining at Bonsa, Ghana

Abstract

Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) in Ghana before its ban in
March, 2017 comprised of licensed operators and illegal operators
popularly known as galamsey. The ban imposed by the Government of
Ghana aimed at curbing the effects of the operation of ASM on the
environment and also streamlining the processes involved in their
operations. Bonsa, a town in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality whose
economic activities were dominated by galamsey before the ban was
selected for the research. These operations mostly involved dredging
of the river bed, discharging effluents into the river and mining lands
close to water bodies for gold. ASM contributes immensely to the
overall gold output of Ghana. An investigation was done to determine
the environment and socio-economic impacts of the ban of ASM in
Bonsa. Water samples, assessment of lands and questionnaires were
used as data collection methods to determine these impacts. Results
from this investigation show that lands destroyed by galamsey
operations largely remain the same, however, results from water
samples when compared to previous results performed better in
physico-chemical parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and
turbidity, but fell short in conductivity and the other parameters. The
socio-economic status of the people had dwindled after the ban. It was
recommended that through the Multilateral Mining Integrated
Project, lands destroyed by galamsey operations should be reclaimed
and alternative jobs should be provided. Also, stricter measures
should be put in place to ensure better water quality of River Bonsa.