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This research investigates the socio-economic and environmental impacts of illegal small-scale gold mining (galamsey) in Ghana.

July 28, 2026Discover EnvironmentOpen Access

Empirical analysis of livelihood and environmental risks of galamsey in Ashanti and Western Ghana

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Randomized trial analyzes environmental challenges in small-scale gold mining, suggesting sustainable policy changes.

This research investigates the socio-economic and environmental impacts of illegal small-scale gold mining (galamsey) in Ghana.
Integrated quantitative surveys (n=50) and qualitative semi-structured interviews (n=80) conducted in Kortwia-Abodom and Damang.
Quantitative indicators measured median income levels and formal illiteracy rates.
Qualitative thematic analysis explored sociocultural perceptions of occupational hazards.
Participants reported an aggregated median income of GHS 7200, exceeding regional agricultural baselines.
High illiteracy rates (72%) limit labor mobility, keeping individuals in the informal mining sector.
Documented riverine degradation reflected through Total Suspended Solids (TSS) proxies corroborated participant narratives.

Biney et al. (2026) studied this question.

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