Abstract:
Illegal gold mining continues to pose a significant threat to the environment, especially in river basins, forest reserves, and other locations. Even though galamsey is not new in the Obuasi municipality, the use of heavy machines such as excavators, bulldozers, and chanfans is a recent phenomenon, destroying forests, farmlands, and river bodies. Local attempts to curb galamsey have been notable but largely ineffective. This study, therefore, examines the challenges impeding community-driven efforts to combat illegal mining, known as "galamsey," in the Obuasi Municipality. The study was guided by the Collective Action Theory. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the research employed multi-stage cluster sampling to engage 400 household respondents, supplemented by interviews with 7 purposively selected key informants. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires and unstructured interview guides, with quantitative data analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data thematically explored. Results indicate that Obuasi communities have adopted actions to address illegal mining, including autonomous actions such as physical confrontations with illegal miners, restrictions on mining near water bodies, forming community watch dogs, and also collaborating with military and law enforcement for arrests and prosecutions. These efforts are however, undermined by socio-economic challenges, corruption and weak governance, intimidation and violence, as well as political interference. Strong community support exists for deterrent measures, including life imprisonment, hefty fines, and land seizures from complicit landowners, alongside proactive strategies like skill training, alternative livelihood programmes, and partnerships with mining companies for legal small-scale mining opportunities. The study recommends collaboration between communities, mining companies, and government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Minerals Commission, and the security agencies to foster a collective approach to addressing the challenges posed by illegal mining.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Social Studies Education,
Faculty of Social Sciences Education, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Social Studies)
in the University of Education, Winneba
JUNE, 2024
