Intersection between ecological destruction and human rights: study of illegal mining activities in Ghana
Loading...
Date
2024-09-16
Authors
Gaisie, Ophelia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis explores the intricate relationship between ecological destruction and human rights abuses, specifically focusing on illegal mining activities in Ghana, commonly known as galamsey. Drawing on green criminology theory and human rights framework, this research aims to unravel how criminogenic conditions influence people to engage in illegal mining activities in Ghana and how the failure to regulate illegal mining, which causes environmental degradation, affects the fundamental human rights of those living around such mining areas.
In doing so, an autoethnographic recounting of my experiences as a Community Development Officer at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi and Iduapriem Mines and a community member in a mining town Obuasi-Tutuka since childhood is used as the primary source of data to address the research questions. Secondary data sources, including news publications, scholarly articles, the internet, and electronic media, complement the primary data source. This thesis addresses these overarching questions: (1) What criminogenic (or crime-producing) conditions influence people to mine illegally in Ghana? (2) How does the failure to regulate illegal mining in Ghana violate the human rights of those living near the mines?
The study indicates that galamsey mining in Ghana causes environmental degradation, thereby affecting the right to a quality life for those living around such mining areas. Several diseases and ailments, including birth defects in pregnant women, have been linked to the release of toxic substances into the environment as a result of galamsey mining in Ghana. The study also reveals the criminogenic conditions that encourage galamsey mining in Ghana and the interventions to mitigate the environmental harm and human rights abuses driven by illegal mining.
The research underscores the importance of ensuring adequate employment opportunities, community engagement on the health impacts of galamsey, financial literacy programmes, and alternative sources of livelihood for mining communities, institutional and legal reforms, and sustained political will to protect the environment for future generations.
Description
Keywords
Small-scale mining, Illegal mining, Galamsey, Mercury, Human Rights, Environmental Degradation, Green Criminology, Obuasi, Tarkwa, Ghana