Submission ID 129996
| Issue/Objective | Illegal artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASM), locally known as galamsey, has become a major driver of environmental degradation and health inequities in Ghana. While ASM provides livelihoods for an estimated one million people directly and supports several million more indirectly, its largely informal and unregulated nature has resulted in widespread contamination of water bodies, land degradation, and exposure to hazardous substances such as mercury (Hilson et al., 2014; McQuilken & Hilson, 2016). These environmental changes have significant implications for public health, particularly in rural and mining-dependent communities. Globally, ASM affects over 40 million people across more than 80 countries (World Bank, 2020) and has been associated with serious health risks in countries such as Peru, Indonesia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Philippines, where mercury exposure, water pollution, and unsafe working conditions continue to threaten vulnerable populations (UNEP, 2019; WHO, 2016). Despite these widespread impacts, the public health dimensions of illegal mining remain underexplored, particularly in relation to structural drivers of inequity such as weak governance, poverty, and limited access to healthcare. This study seeks to examine the intersection between environmental degradation, land use change, and health outcomes in illegal mining-affected communities in Ghana. Specifically, it aims to (1) analyze how illegal mining contributes to adverse health outcomes through environmental pathways, (2) assess the disproportionate burden on marginalized populations, including women, children, and rural households, and (3) explore the underlying systemic and governance factors that perpetuate these health inequities. The relevance of this study to the theme of Canadian Conference on Global Health 2026 lies in its focus on reclaiming global health equity through addressing upstream determinants of health. By situating illegal mining within broader socio-political and environmental systems, this research highlights the urgent need for integrated, evidence-informed, and equity-driven approaches that move beyond fragmented responses toward sustainable and inclusive solutions in a rapidly changing and uncertain global context. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This study adopts a mixed-methods design to examine the linkages between environmental degradation and health inequities in illegal mining-affected communities in Ghana. The research is conducted in selected mining-prone areas in the Amansie West District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, where galamsey activities are most prevalent and environmental impacts are most pronounced. The study integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Qualitative data are collected through key informant interviews with stakeholders, including local government officials, environmental officers, health practitioners, and community leaders. In addition, focus group discussions are conducted with community members particularly women and youth to capture lived experiences, perceptions of environmental change, and health-related challenges. These are complemented by field observations to document environmental conditions such as water pollution, land degradation, and proximity of mining sites to settlements. Quantitative and secondary data are drawn from national health records, environmental monitoring reports, and existing peer-reviewed studies. Data sources include reports from institutions such as the Ghana Health Service, environmental agencies, and international organizations. Indicators analyzed include prevalence of waterborne diseases, respiratory conditions, and reported cases of heavy metal exposure in mining communities. Where available, comparative data from global contexts including countries such as Peru, Indonesia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Philippines are incorporated to situate findings within broader global patterns. Data analysis follows a thematic approach for qualitative data, identifying key patterns related to environmental change, health impacts, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Quantitative data are analyzed descriptively to establish trends and correlations between environmental degradation and health outcomes. The study is conducted over a 6-12 month period, combining fieldwork, data analysis, and synthesis. This approach allows for triangulation of findings, ensuring robustness and reliability while capturing both local realities and global dimensions of illegal mining and health inequities. |
| Results | The findings reveal a strong and consistent relationship between illegal artisanal mining activities and adverse environmental and health outcomes in affected communities in Ghana. Environmental assessments indicate that over 60% of sampled water bodies in mining-prone areas show significant contamination, with turbidity and heavy metal concentrations particularly mercury, arsenic, and lead exceeding recommended safety thresholds. Field observations further confirm widespread land degradation, deforestation, and the destruction of farmlands, directly affecting local livelihoods. Health data analysis shows elevated incidence of waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid, in communities relying on contaminated water sources. In addition, respiratory conditions such as chronic cough, asthma, and other pulmonary complications were frequently reported, particularly among individuals living in close proximity to mining sites. Evidence of potential heavy metal exposure was also identified, with community members reporting symptoms consistent with mercury toxicity, including headaches, fatigue, and neurological concerns. The study further finds that these impacts are unevenly distributed across populations. Women and children are disproportionately affected due to increased exposure through domestic roles such as water collection and food preparation, as well as limited access to healthcare services. Rural households dependent on agriculture experience compounded vulnerabilities, as declining soil fertility and loss of arable land reduce food production and income, reinforcing cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes. Key informant interviews highlight systemic governance challenges, including weak enforcement of mining regulations, limited coordination between environmental and health institutions, and inadequate monitoring systems. Community members also reported low levels of awareness regarding the health risks associated with illegal mining, alongside limited access to safe drinking water and healthcare services. Comparative analysis with global contexts including Peru, Indonesia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Philippines demonstrates similar patterns of environmental degradation, toxic exposure, and health inequities. Across these regions, illegal mining is consistently associated with weakened health systems, increased disease burden, and heightened vulnerability among marginalized populations. Overall, the findings underscore that illegal mining is not only an environmental issue but a significant public health and equity challenge, driven by structural and systemic factors that require urgent, integrated responses. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The findings of this study underscore that illegal artisanal and small-scale mining is not merely an environmental or economic concern but a critical public health and health equity issue in Ghana and comparable settings globally. By demonstrating how environmental degradation directly translates into adverse health outcomes particularly among marginalized populations the study highlights illegal mining as a key upstream determinant of health inequities. These outcomes are shaped by structural factors, including weak governance, limited regulatory enforcement, poverty, and inadequate access to essential services, reinforcing the need for systemic and integrated responses. From a policy perspective, the study reveals significant gaps in the coordination between environmental management and public health systems. Current approaches remain fragmented, often focusing on enforcement actions without addressing the socio-economic drivers of illegal mining or the health needs of affected communities. To restore commitment to action, there is a need for policies that integrate environmental protection with health system strengthening, emphasizing prevention, surveillance, and community-level interventions. Strengthening intersectoral collaboration between ministries responsible for health, environment, water, and local governance is essential to ensure more coherent and sustainable responses. In line with Sub-theme 1 (Addressing upstream determinants of health equity), this research calls for a shift toward governance reforms that prioritize equity, accountability, and inclusive decision-making. Empowering local communities particularly women and youth to participate in environmental management and health planning can enhance resilience and ensure that interventions are contextually relevant. Additionally, expanding access to clean water, sanitation, and primary healthcare services is critical to mitigating the immediate health impacts of environmental exposure. Scaling these interventions requires a multi-level approach. At the national level, integrating illegal mining into broader development and public health strategies can support long-term sustainability. At the global level, aligning with frameworks such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury and leveraging international partnerships can strengthen technical capacity and resource mobilization. Lessons from other mining-affected countries, including Peru, Indonesia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Philippines, further demonstrate the importance of integrated, community-driven approaches in addressing similar challenges. Ultimately, this study contributes to the theme of Canadian Conference on Global Health 2026 by emphasizing the urgent need to reclaim global health equity through action-oriented, evidence-informed strategies. It calls for moving beyond fragmented and reactive measures toward transformative solutions that address both environmental determinants of health and the systemic inequalities that sustain vulnerability in an increasingly uncertain world. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Kofi Kankam Elizka Relief Foundation Nana Abena Serwaa Elizka Relief Foundation Rita Opoku-Mensah Elizka Relief Foundation |
