Unregulated Gold Mining: A Growing Crisis in Ghana

 Illegal Gold Mining in Ghana: Environmental and Health Implications

Young Ghanaians work tirelessly in gold mining in the eastern region of Ghana. What they do is illegal; they haven't gone through the rigorous process of trying to obtain a license, but they acquire approval from landowners illegally and mine for gold in most areas of Ghana unlawfully.

Illegal Gold Mining in Ghana Environmental and Health Implications

I will refer to in the article:

1. Gold mining is a significant source of income in Ghana:
2. Negative Impact on Water Table:
3. Health Effects of Gold Mining in Ghana:

1.Gold mining is a significant source of income in Ghana:

Most citizens from Ghanaian villages engage in gold prospecting. They transform entire waterways in search of gold, and once done, they often abandon the site. Licensed and regulated small-scale miners are then required to reclaim the land obtained for prospecting.

2.Negative Impact on Water Table:

Due to the use of mercury and other metals in gold extraction and processing, the water table becomes contaminated. The transfer and washing of heavy metal deposits accumulated in the soil due to rainfall lead to soil contamination and reduced fertility. Subsequently, these heavy metals seep into the water table at high rates, causing groundwater pollution and threatening residents with a lack of potable water.

Unregulated Gold Mining A Growing Crisis in Ghana

3.Health Effects of Gold Mining in Ghana:

In addition to the negative environmental impact of gold mining, there are also health effects on citizens living near these mines. They drink and use water contaminated with heavy metals leaked from mines and gold mining, putting them at risk of poisoning and giving birth to genetically deformed children.

Source: Al Jazeera Qatar Channel.