Introduction

Land degradation refers to the deterioration of the land quality and productivity of land. It can be caused by factors like deforestation, soil erosion, overgrazing, and illegal mining.

In this report, my focus will be on illegal mining in Ghana, Ashanti Region to be precise. In Ghana, illegal mining (galamsey) which literally means ‘gather them and sell’ has now become a very serious cause of land degradation.

Illegal mining refers to mining activity that is undertaken without state permission, in particular in absence of land rights, mining licenses, and exploration or mineral transportation permits [Wikipedia]. This activity has caused serious negative impacts on the environment, including deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction both human kind and animals.

The following are some of the effects illegal mining in Ghana;

Effect on human health.

The sediments deposited into water bodies during illegal mining contains heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and lead which are toxic to aquatic life and humans.  The toxic chemicals from illegal mining have been found to cause skin problem, cancer and other health issues in humans who consume contaminated water.

In addition, miners and people living around areas where radioactive gases such as radon are emitted can suffer from long term respiratory diseases like lung cancer.

Effect on water bodies.

The aquatic life in the affected water bodies is also at the risk of extinction due to toxic chemicals from the illegal mining. Water bodies like River Densu, River Ankobra and River Pra have been degraded from being clean and safe rivers to poisonous, dirty, and unappealing water bodies in Ashanti Region. Due to this activity a lot of sand has been deposited into the water bodies which has making the rivers over flow it banks especially during the raining season.

Plants along these rivers which prevents direct sunshine from the sun into the river has it leaves drying up due to the chemical reaction and for this matter river starts drying up when there is too much sunshine especially during the dry season.

 Effect on agriculture.

Agriculture sector in Ghana is a major source of employment in the country. The agriculture sector has employed over 39.49% in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators.

The galamsey is a threat to agriculture lands because it affects farmlands and this accounts for food insecurity. The galamsey operations include, deforestation leading to soil erosion destruction of agriculture lands and pollution of water bodies [Akabzaa & Darimani, 2001].

Through this activity Ghana was not able to grow enough cassava to feed the population, which I will say it the effect of illegal mining. In the year 2019 the minister for Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs had to import tones of cassava from China.

Possible solution to these effects is to create environmental awareness by educating the public on the effects and cause of destroying the land. Planting more trees along the river banks to prevent the rivers from drying up during the dry season. The government should set laws to punish people who engages in illegal mining.

In conclusion, land degradation having illegal mining as its major source of effect on the environment, it is very important to create awareness on these effects to preserve the environment and the planet as a whole for the future generation.

Source: Forestry Commission Ghana, 3 May 2023

              Akabzaa & Darimani, 2001 ( agriculture)