Drivers of artisanal and small-scale mining in the Denkyira area, central region of Ghana

Abstract

This study examined how social pressures push people into artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in the Denkyira area in the Central Region of Ghana. A mixed-method approach was used. Random sampling was used to select 183 registered miners and their workers while convenience sampling was used to select 190 unregistered miners and their workers. Purposive sampling was used to select seven key informants. Binary logistic regression and frequencies were used to analyse the quantitative data while the qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study found that miners used their material success acquired through mining to entice others to engage in mining. Based on this finding, the study recommends that stakeholders interested in stopping the menace of irresponsible ASM activities should focus on creating social norms that work against the display of wealth and worldly success.