Across many mineral-rich developing countries, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has been no... more Across many mineral-rich developing countries, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has been noted as a crucial socio-economic activity for most rural people. Over the past 2 decades, there has been growing participation of women in the ASM sector with extant studies examining why women participate in ASM, the roles they play and how their involvement enhances their socio-economic development. However, the socio-structural dynamics and gendered relations within ASM are poorly understood and underexplored despite the increasing participation of women in the sector. Based on field observations and interviews involving 49 women miners in the Prestea–Huni Valley Municipality of Ghana, this paper discusses the on-site challenges of women in ASM through multiple standpoint and African feminism theoretical perspectives. It also examines how understanding the struggles of women can reduce their work-related risks and promote gender-sensitive policies for rural women’s empowerment in ASM. ...
Drawing on the DFID’s sustainable livelihood framework, this paper explores the nexus between art... more Drawing on the DFID’s sustainable livelihood framework, this paper explores the nexus between artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and livelihood in Prestea mining region, Ghana. A cross-sectional mixed method survey involving simple random and purposively sampled participants (N=151) was carried out. The results suggest both positive and negative relationships between ASM and livelihoods of the people. The study found various livelihood assets associated with ASM and how critical assets are adversely affected by ASM activities. Limited employment opportunities in rural areas (82%), economic hardships/poverty situations of people (59%), and “quick” income earnings from ASM (90%) were the major factors that influenced people to combine and use their personal assets to enable them to engage in ASM. ASM contributes to the livelihood enhancement through income generation, increased well-being and asset acquisition (50.7%), reduced vulnerabilities (31.1%), and empowerment of people (19...
Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch ge... more Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden. Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen. Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, gelten abweichend von diesen Nutzungsbedingungen die in der dort genannten Lizenz gewährten Nutzungsrechte. Terms of use: Documents in EconStor may be saved and copied for your personal and scholarly purposes. You are not to copy documents for public or commercial purposes, to exhibit the documents publicly, to make them publicly available on the internet, or to distribute or otherwise use the documents in public.
ObjectiveGlobally, the informal health sector is continuing to experience increasing growth despi... more ObjectiveGlobally, the informal health sector is continuing to experience increasing growth despite the parallel development of the formal health care sector over the years. However, studies in Ghana concerning caregiving are limited since little attention has been given to the informal health care sector. This study therefore explores the role of women as caregivers and the challenges they face in the Kumasi Metropolis and Ejisu Juaben Municipality in Ashanti Region of Ghana.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 20 caregivers from the two study areas. Data were analyzed and presented based on a content and thematic analysis approach.ResultsFindings from the study showed that caregivers perform key roles including those of a domestic, health care, economic, social and spiritual nature. However, caregivers were confronted with many challenges, including inadequate funds, inability to work effectively, prolonged stress, limited time for socialization and emotional trauma.ConclusionFor caregivers to perform their roles efficiently and effectively, government and health care authorities must provide them with immediate financial support and training. Also, in the near future policy makers should put a comprehensive policy in place to bolster caregiving in general.
Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2016
Research on unconventional medical practices among students has proliferated lately in the global... more Research on unconventional medical practices among students has proliferated lately in the global space, hitherto, little is known explicitly in Ghana. This paper teases out insights for recent utilisation patterns of traditional medical therapies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. A sample of 754, randomly selected undergraduates were involved in a retrospective cross-sectional survey. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression and Pearson's χ(2) test with p < 0.05 as significant. Overall prevalence of traditional therapies consumption was 89.1% in the last 12 months. Herbal-based products (67%), prayer healing (15%) and body-mind therapies (11%) were principally used and, accessed through purchases from pharmacy shops (29%) and encounter with faith healers (26%). Although students' knowledge on traditional therapies was acquired through family members (50%) and media (23%), literary materials remained significant information routes for Science related students compared to the Non-science related counterparts (p < 0.001). Pursuing Non-science-related programme [odds ratio (OR) 6.154 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.745-10.111; p < 0.001)] and having Christian faith [OR 2.450 (95% CI 1.359-4.415; p = 0.003)] were strongly associated with students' traditional therapies use. Although students exhibited positive attitude towards unconventional therapies, there is an urgent need to validate the quality of traditional therapies through randomised clinical trials and regulatory practices to ensure quality control. Health forces should intensify efforts towards intercultural health care system in Ghana.
Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology `, 2016
Since antiquity, mining has served as an integral component of nations' sources of revenue for ma... more Since antiquity, mining has served as an integral component of nations' sources of revenue for many developing nations blessed with mineral resources. However, anecdotal evidence shows that the magnitude of the health impacts of mining in the Newmont Ghana Gold enclaves is beyond imagination. Yet, ardent research to measure the actual health implications is limited. This necessitated the need to examine the health implications of mining in Newmont Ghana Gold Limited enclaves in the Asutifi District, Ghana. A cross-sectional survey involving simple random and purposive sampled participants (N = 120) was conducted. Questionnaire and in-depth interview were used as research instruments. Data were analysed with a Pearson's Chi-square from the PASW for Windows application (V. 17.0). The study discovered that mining has a negative ramification on public health. The major health problems associated with mining in the Asutifi District include malaria, skin diseases, visual impairments and respiratory disorders which have a direct linkage to the morbidity pattern in the study communities. The prevalence of malaria is attributed to the neglect of uncovered mine pits which have accumulated water and serving as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Furthermore, it has been established that diseases such as respiratory diseases and sight problems (poor vision) have been caused by suspended particulate matter emanating from the blasting of mineral bearing rocks. The health statistics on the top ten OutPatient Diseases cases over a four year period (from 2006 to 2009) depict findings of our study. It has been recommended that Newmont Ghana Gold Limited collaborates with the various clinics to fight against certain diseases such as malaria and skin diseases and others found to be caused by the mining activities.
Corporate social responsibility in public health provision: Community members’ assessment , 2019
Mining companies often deliver various health interventions for respective mining enclaves yet, m... more Mining companies often deliver various health interventions for respective mining enclaves yet, majority of these services often apply a top-down approach with limited community involvement. Thus, this paper explored communities' satisfaction of health interventions by the Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) in Asutifi South and North Districts of Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional and mixed-method study involving a convenience sample of 145 community members was conducted. Approximately, 60%, 52%, 51% and 52% of the respondents were respectively satisfied with dust suppression measures, health education/ awareness creation, malaria control programmes and provision of alternative sources of drinking water by the NGGL. While health promotion and prevention strategies have been helpful, these were far below the expectations of the community members. More importantly, the participants expected to be provided with modern health facilities and opportunity to participate in local institutions' decision-making process in the delivery of these services. We, therefore, recommend that the NGGL should intensify its efforts towards public health improvement in its enclaves as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Across many mineral-rich developing countries, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has been no... more Across many mineral-rich developing countries, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has been noted as a crucial socio-economic activity for most rural people. Over the past 2 decades, there has been growing participation of women in the ASM sector with extant studies examining why women participate in ASM, the roles they play and how their involvement enhances their socio-economic development. However, the socio-structural dynamics and gendered relations within ASM are poorly understood and underexplored despite the increasing participation of women in the sector. Based on field observations and interviews involving 49 women miners in the Prestea–Huni Valley Municipality of Ghana, this paper discusses the on-site challenges of women in ASM through multiple standpoint and African feminism theoretical perspectives. It also examines how understanding the struggles of women can reduce their work-related risks and promote gender-sensitive policies for rural women’s empowerment in ASM. ...
Drawing on the DFID’s sustainable livelihood framework, this paper explores the nexus between art... more Drawing on the DFID’s sustainable livelihood framework, this paper explores the nexus between artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and livelihood in Prestea mining region, Ghana. A cross-sectional mixed method survey involving simple random and purposively sampled participants (N=151) was carried out. The results suggest both positive and negative relationships between ASM and livelihoods of the people. The study found various livelihood assets associated with ASM and how critical assets are adversely affected by ASM activities. Limited employment opportunities in rural areas (82%), economic hardships/poverty situations of people (59%), and “quick” income earnings from ASM (90%) were the major factors that influenced people to combine and use their personal assets to enable them to engage in ASM. ASM contributes to the livelihood enhancement through income generation, increased well-being and asset acquisition (50.7%), reduced vulnerabilities (31.1%), and empowerment of people (19...
Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch ge... more Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden. Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen. Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, gelten abweichend von diesen Nutzungsbedingungen die in der dort genannten Lizenz gewährten Nutzungsrechte. Terms of use: Documents in EconStor may be saved and copied for your personal and scholarly purposes. You are not to copy documents for public or commercial purposes, to exhibit the documents publicly, to make them publicly available on the internet, or to distribute or otherwise use the documents in public.
ObjectiveGlobally, the informal health sector is continuing to experience increasing growth despi... more ObjectiveGlobally, the informal health sector is continuing to experience increasing growth despite the parallel development of the formal health care sector over the years. However, studies in Ghana concerning caregiving are limited since little attention has been given to the informal health care sector. This study therefore explores the role of women as caregivers and the challenges they face in the Kumasi Metropolis and Ejisu Juaben Municipality in Ashanti Region of Ghana.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 20 caregivers from the two study areas. Data were analyzed and presented based on a content and thematic analysis approach.ResultsFindings from the study showed that caregivers perform key roles including those of a domestic, health care, economic, social and spiritual nature. However, caregivers were confronted with many challenges, including inadequate funds, inability to work effectively, prolonged stress, limited time for socialization and emotional trauma.ConclusionFor caregivers to perform their roles efficiently and effectively, government and health care authorities must provide them with immediate financial support and training. Also, in the near future policy makers should put a comprehensive policy in place to bolster caregiving in general.
Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2016
Research on unconventional medical practices among students has proliferated lately in the global... more Research on unconventional medical practices among students has proliferated lately in the global space, hitherto, little is known explicitly in Ghana. This paper teases out insights for recent utilisation patterns of traditional medical therapies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. A sample of 754, randomly selected undergraduates were involved in a retrospective cross-sectional survey. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression and Pearson's χ(2) test with p < 0.05 as significant. Overall prevalence of traditional therapies consumption was 89.1% in the last 12 months. Herbal-based products (67%), prayer healing (15%) and body-mind therapies (11%) were principally used and, accessed through purchases from pharmacy shops (29%) and encounter with faith healers (26%). Although students' knowledge on traditional therapies was acquired through family members (50%) and media (23%), literary materials remained significant information routes for Science related students compared to the Non-science related counterparts (p < 0.001). Pursuing Non-science-related programme [odds ratio (OR) 6.154 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.745-10.111; p < 0.001)] and having Christian faith [OR 2.450 (95% CI 1.359-4.415; p = 0.003)] were strongly associated with students' traditional therapies use. Although students exhibited positive attitude towards unconventional therapies, there is an urgent need to validate the quality of traditional therapies through randomised clinical trials and regulatory practices to ensure quality control. Health forces should intensify efforts towards intercultural health care system in Ghana.
Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology `, 2016
Since antiquity, mining has served as an integral component of nations' sources of revenue for ma... more Since antiquity, mining has served as an integral component of nations' sources of revenue for many developing nations blessed with mineral resources. However, anecdotal evidence shows that the magnitude of the health impacts of mining in the Newmont Ghana Gold enclaves is beyond imagination. Yet, ardent research to measure the actual health implications is limited. This necessitated the need to examine the health implications of mining in Newmont Ghana Gold Limited enclaves in the Asutifi District, Ghana. A cross-sectional survey involving simple random and purposive sampled participants (N = 120) was conducted. Questionnaire and in-depth interview were used as research instruments. Data were analysed with a Pearson's Chi-square from the PASW for Windows application (V. 17.0). The study discovered that mining has a negative ramification on public health. The major health problems associated with mining in the Asutifi District include malaria, skin diseases, visual impairments and respiratory disorders which have a direct linkage to the morbidity pattern in the study communities. The prevalence of malaria is attributed to the neglect of uncovered mine pits which have accumulated water and serving as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Furthermore, it has been established that diseases such as respiratory diseases and sight problems (poor vision) have been caused by suspended particulate matter emanating from the blasting of mineral bearing rocks. The health statistics on the top ten OutPatient Diseases cases over a four year period (from 2006 to 2009) depict findings of our study. It has been recommended that Newmont Ghana Gold Limited collaborates with the various clinics to fight against certain diseases such as malaria and skin diseases and others found to be caused by the mining activities.
Corporate social responsibility in public health provision: Community members’ assessment , 2019
Mining companies often deliver various health interventions for respective mining enclaves yet, m... more Mining companies often deliver various health interventions for respective mining enclaves yet, majority of these services often apply a top-down approach with limited community involvement. Thus, this paper explored communities' satisfaction of health interventions by the Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) in Asutifi South and North Districts of Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional and mixed-method study involving a convenience sample of 145 community members was conducted. Approximately, 60%, 52%, 51% and 52% of the respondents were respectively satisfied with dust suppression measures, health education/ awareness creation, malaria control programmes and provision of alternative sources of drinking water by the NGGL. While health promotion and prevention strategies have been helpful, these were far below the expectations of the community members. More importantly, the participants expected to be provided with modern health facilities and opportunity to participate in local institutions' decision-making process in the delivery of these services. We, therefore, recommend that the NGGL should intensify its efforts towards public health improvement in its enclaves as part of its corporate social responsibility.
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Papers by Francis Arthur