Abstract Illegal mining operations have attracted significant global attention due to their adverse effects on socioeconomic development, environmental sustainability and national security. These activities have caused widespread environmental destruction, including the pollution of over 60% of river basins, deforestation of over 2.8 million hectares of forest cover, soil degradation, and health risks linked to heavy metal contamination, particularly mercury. While numerous programmes and research have been carried out to trace the fundamental causes of these activities and assess the environmental and economic implications, less attention has been given to understand how political and governance issues drive and sustain these illicit operations, particularly in developing countries such as Ghana. This study examines how weak governance, corruption, inadequate law enforcement and political patronage have exacerbated illegal mining. It highlights that pervasive poverty, unemployment, and limited alternative livelihoods are primary drivers, while election-related complicities and policy enforcement challenges perpetuate the issue. To transition towards sustainable mining, Ghana must prioritise transparency and accountability in governance, involve local communities in mining decisions, enforce stricter penalties for complicit officials, and foster regional collaboration against cross-border mining fraud. Integrating illegal mining into national development agendas with an emphasis on sustainable resource management is essential for transformative change.
Adom et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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