Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Small scale mining activities started in Ghana more than 100 years ago. Around the
eighteen (18) century, a lot of foreign investors engaged themselves in mining
activities which resulted in the creation of jobs for the local communities; these
positively increased the economic growth of Ghana. Mining activities were therefore
seen with its corresponding challenges which has a positive or effect on the growth
despite the negative challenges. The reason for the study is to ascertain the
environmental impact of mining and the well-being of the people in Akwatia, Ghana.
Illegal mining activities increased after the collapse of Ghana Consolidated Diamonds
Limited (GCD), this was the company responsible for diamond mining in Ghana.
Apart from the mining sector contributing to the economic growth of Ghana, mining
activities has its own corresponding challenges such as political, social, and
environmental as well as health related issues in Akwatia, in Ghana. The study
reveals that the community is aware of the environmental impact created by illegal
mining activities.

Based on the arguments of the respondents, it was deduced that there has been loss
of agriculture and livelihood as negative impacts of mining, especially illegal mining
‘‘galamsey’’. The community is aware of the existing situation but there must be a
great awakening in terms of education and public involvement, so as to be able to
create massive awareness in the community in order to reduce future impact to the
environment and on the well-being of the people. Though, the practice have turn out
to be a main source of revenue for the general public in Akwatia, particularly the
youth, the situation put danger and hazard to the sustainability of the environment on
the long run, it will also have an effect on the general public if the mine is closed
again in future.