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This research aims to assess the ecological impact of illegal mining on blackfly breeding habitats in Ghana.

April 3, 2026Open Access

A GIS and field-based assessment of the ecological consequences of illegal mining (galamsey) on blackfly breeding sites in Ghana: implications for the sustainable development goals

Key Points

This research aims to assess the ecological impact of illegal mining on blackfly breeding habitats in Ghana.
Conducted GIS and field assessments of blackfly breeding sites
Evaluated sedimentation, vegetation degradation, and riparian disturbances
Identified implications for food security and clean water access
Found extreme sedimentation and vegetation degradation negatively impacting blackfly breeding
Reported riparian disturbances threaten ecosystem integrity
Emphasized need for strengthened river management and community-based monitoring

Abstract

The combined effects of extreme sedimentation, vegetation degradation and riparian disturbance suggest ecological conditions that are increasingly unsuitable for blackfly breeding in the Ofin River basin. The disruptions also threaten food security, clean water access and ecosystem integrity, with implications for achieving SDG 2, 3, 6, and 15. Strengthened River management, reforestation of degraded riparian areas, enforcement against illegal mining and community-based monitoring are needed to restore ecological function and safeguard both biodiversity and public health.

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