Small-scale mining in Ghana sustains livelihoods.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana reports that it inflicts environmental damage by contaminating a substantial section of the nation's rivers with mercury and other contaminants.The pollution of water sources with mercury and other contaminants negatively impacts public health in Ghana.
Consequently, Ghana must formulate policies that emphasise community viewpoints while achieving equilibrium between economic advancement and environmental conservation.In mining communities, small-scale mining is crucial for their sustenance, notwithstanding its associated disadvantages.
According to a 2023 study by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) in Ghana, 74% of citizens acknowledge the economic benefits of mining, but 68% express concerns about its environmental impact.Rivers that were previously sources of potable water and fish have now become contaminated.