Local knowledge of risks associated with artisanal small-scale mining in Ghana
Rejoice Selorm Wireko-Gyebi1, Rudith Sylvana King2, Imoro Braimah3
1Department of Planning and Sustainability, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana.
Summary
Artisanal small-scale miners in Ghana have low awareness of health and environmental risks. Education level significantly impacts injury risk perception, highlighting the need for targeted training programs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Social Science
Background:
- Artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) poses significant health, environmental, and social risks.
- These risks disproportionately affect mining communities, particularly in developing regions.
- Understanding miner perceptions is crucial for effective risk mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess artisanal small-scale miners' awareness and perceptions of associated risks in Ghana.
- To identify factors influencing risk awareness among miners.
- To inform policy and interventions for improving miner safety and well-being.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 148 artisanal small-scale miners in three districts in Ghana.
- Convenience sampling was employed for participant recruitment.
- Key informant interviews and focus group discussions supplemented survey data.
Main Results:
- Miners generally exhibited low awareness of the health, environmental, and social risks of their occupation.
- No significant correlation was found between socio-economic characteristics and perceived risks.
- A higher level of education was significantly associated with increased awareness of injury risks.
- A notable perception was that death is a normal occurrence in artisanal small-scale mining.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need to enhance risk awareness among artisanal small-scale miners through education and training.
- Interventions should focus on improving understanding of specific risks, particularly injuries.
- Empowerment of miners by state institutions through knowledge enhancement is recommended to mitigate negative impacts.
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