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.