Galamsey as an asset and a menace in the Ghanaian space economy

Christian Kofi Sarpong; Romanus Dokgubong Dinye

doi:10.71113/JMSS.v2i4.253

Authors

Christian Kofi Sarpong Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Prof. Dr. Romanus Dinye Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71113/JMSS.v2i4.253

Keywords:

Galamsey, Asset, Menace, Ghana

Abstract

Illegal small-scale mining, popularly referred to as galamsey, is a long-standing issue in Ghana, impacting its economy and environment. While it provides livelihood opportunities, it threatens sustainable land use, environmental health, and socio-economic stability. The complexity of this activity has created debate regarding its value as an economic asset and threat. This paper examines the dual role of galamsey as an asset and a menace in Ghana's economy. The paper adopted a systematic review approach to examine the impact of galamsey on land use, governance, and livelihoods. The study concludes that the social and environmental costs of galamsey are higher than their economic benefits. The need arises for strict policies, sustainable land-use planning, and community action to arrest these impacts.

Author Biographies

Christian Kofi Sarpong, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Christian Kofi Sarpong is a Research and Teaching assistant at the Department of Land Economy and Centre for Settlement Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. His areas of interest include environmental policy, sustainable urban development, and climate change adaptation.

Prof. Dr. Romanus Dinye, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Romanus Dokgubong Dinye is a Professor at the Centre for Settlement Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. He is a professor and lecturer in Advanced Research Methods and Data Analysis at the Department of Land Economy. His expertise includes urban management, sustainable development, and land governance.

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