Chieftaincy is one of the oldest and most respected local governance institutions in Ghana (Lawer et al.

,
2017). Despite several institutional modifications over the years, it remains a very important institution
influencing the lives of most Ghanaians daily. The government also accords the chieftaincy institution a
relevant role in natural resource management. For example, Ghana's mineral and mining act grants
chiefs and other traditional rulers the power to manage the benefits of mining to local communities.
This constellation is practically linked to the chief’s control over both public and private lands as they are
allowed to control and manage lands in Ghana in trust for the subjects of the stool – “the people”.
However, according to Lawer et al. (2017), the acknowledgement of chiefs as custodians has
empowered them to keep the charge of all mining activities on their land. Recent research has revealed
that chiefs have abused this power by managing mining activities with reference to the benefits it brings
to them at the expense of the community (Lawer et al., 2017; Valsecchi, 2007),

Illegal miners often use mercury to extract gold from ore, a practice that has dire consequences for
human health. Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, can enter the water systems through mining runoff,
contaminating rivers and streams that serve as sources of drinking water. The mercury seeps into the
soil and is absorbed by fish and crops, thus entering the food chain and posing a long-term threat to
both miners and local communities. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO),
mercury poisoning can lead to neurological disorders, kidney damage, respiratory issues, and, in severe
cases, death.

Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable, as mercury can cause developmental
problems in fetuses and young children. Unfortunately, many of the miners and residents of nearby
villages are unaware of the dangers posed by mercury, leading to continued exposure without
precautionary measures. Aside from mercury, illegal mining sites are often hotspots for airborne
particulate matter.

Dust from mining operations, coupled with chemical fumes from the extraction processes, contributes
to respiratory problems among miners and local residents. A 2020 report by the Ghana Health Service
indicated that respiratory diseases, including silicosis and asthma, have spiked in areas where illegal
mining activities are prevalent.

There have been reports of homes collapsing due to underground mining activities, as well as fatalities
from people accidentally falling into abandoned pits. According to Ghana’s National Disaster
Management Organization (NADMO), there were over 100 reported cases of injuries and deaths caused
by abandoned galamsey pits in 2021 alone. Displacement also has profound psychological effects on
those affected.
Causes of illegal mining

Politicization of Galamsey

Politically, Abdulai (2017) avers that the politicization of galamsey by the two

major political parties in Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New

Patriotic Party (NPP) is a proximate cause of illegal mining in the country. Both the NDC

and NPP are guilty of sympathizing with illegal miners for their votes when they are in

opposition (Abdulai 2017). As a result of the sympathy from the political parties, the

galamsey operators exploit the parties with their votes during election years. According

to Abdulai (2017), some corrupt members of parliament, ministers of state, chiefs, and

assemblymen have been compromised by galamsey activities and that has made the

illegal activity an albatross to deal with.

Unemployment

Aside from poverty, unemployment especially among the youth is another remote

cause of illegal mining in Ghana (Temurçin et al. 2016, 184). Youth unemployment rates

in Ghana have been on the ascendency for the past ten years. According to the World

Bank, youth unemployment in the country increased from 11.2 per cent in 2010 to 13.7

per cent in 2018 representing a 2.5 per cent increment within the period (World Bank

Data 2019). The high level of unemployment in the country makes the youth susceptible

to illegal activities including galamsey in order to earn a living. Considering the fact that

galamsey activities are labor intensive, the youth are generally the major workforce in the

menace. In Abosso in the Western Region of Ghana, the youth engage in galamsey

activities to avoid the social marginalization associated with being unemployed (Andrews

2015, 5).

. By damaging topsoil essential for cocoa cultivation, it hampers cocoa production,

revenue for Ghana, as gold is smuggled out of the country (amounting to $2.3 billion in 2016), and
GDP contribution of cocoa has been on a declining trendover time, falling from 3.6% in 2011 to

In several cocoa-producing regions of Ghana, such as the Upper Denkyira East District, galamsey

local land, including cocoa plantations, is acquired from farmers for mining purposes (Boafo et

contributing to economic instability (Bach, 2014). The prevalence of illegal mines results in lost

activities have encroached on cocoa lands, with estimates suggesting between 1 and 20 hectares

affected (Boateng et al., 2014). Additionally, Essabra-Mensah (2013) reported that between 1 and

1.8% in 2017, with rampant mining activities partly responsible for the reduction in cocoa

al., 2019; Snapir et al., 2017).

2 million hectares of Ghanaian cocoa land had been invaded by illicit miners. Furthermore, the

production and its economic contribution.

Corruption

Corruption within Ghana’s public sector is a proximate cause of illegal mining

activities in the country (Mantey et al. 2017, 12). Some government officials who are

elected or hired to enforce the laws and regulations prohibiting illegal mining activities

have become corrupt, and are involved in the same menace they are to fight against

(Africa Investigates 2011). As a result of corruption, ar