Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of artisanal small-scale mining on
sustainable livelihoods in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of Ghana. The study seeks to
answer the following questions: (1) what is the impact of artisanal small-scale mining on
livelihoods in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality? (2) What measures could be put in place to
ensure the sustainability of livelihoods in the municipality? Case study approach to inquiry
was used in the study. The authors used interview guides (structured and unstructured) to
collect primary data from a sample of 400 household heads, nineteen institutions, six
Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) firms, six mineral processing companies, and two
gold buying agents, and traditional authorities from the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality. The
findings of the study indicate among other things that; land has been rendered unproductive
due to the inability of the dominant ASM firms to reclaim lands after mining. The workers’
exposure to cyanide and mercury makes them vulnerable to all manner of health risks which
is a threat to the sustenance of livelihoods. Owing to the unsustainable nature of mining
activities, the future indicates not only increases in unemployment, but also environmental
degradation and health concerns.
Keywords: Sustainable Livelihood (SL); Sustainable Development (SD); Management;
Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM); Ghana.
