By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
The European Union-funded Gold for Good Project has released three new studies on small-scale gold mining in Ghana’s Savannah Region.
The studies looked at what is happening in West Gonja, Bole, and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba. They spoke to 953 people in 30 communities and visited 94 mining sites.
The main message is simple: mining is helping people survive, but the way it is done now is causing serious problems.
What the studies found:
1. Mining pays, but most miners are illegal
People in mining communities earn nearly 6 times more than people in non-mining communities.
But only 2.92% of miners have a licence. About 74% don’t even know the mining rules.
2. The land is polluted
Cadmium was found above safe levels in ALL soil samples tested. Mercury was above safe levels in about 94% of samples.
This is very dangerous, especially for children who play on that soil.
3. Security is weak
Along the Black Volta border area, there is poor coordination, weak enforcement, and conflicts. Traditional leaders are playing a big role, but the state is largely absent.
4. Women and youth are left out
Women, young people and migrant miners are not part of decision-making. Women mostly do the low-paying jobs.
Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana present at the launch said:
“For years, we debated galamsey with great passion and very little data. Today, that changes. Three out of four people in this corridor are breaking rules they have never been told exist. The soil where children play carries cadmium at more than forty times the safe limit.”
Rev. Fr. Dr. Clement Aapengnuo, Team Leader of the Gold for Good project, said unregulated mining on the Black Volta border is now a security problem.
“Enforcement alone will not secure this border. Bringing mining within the law, with communities and traditional authorities as partners, will.”
The studies say government, chiefs, and mining communities must work together. Women, youth and migrants must be included.
The next steps will focus on better coordination, helping miners get licences, responsible gold buying, and fixing damaged land.
