Internationalisation of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining in Ghana: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The last few years has witnessed internationalisation of small scale mining in Ghana. The entry of migrant artisanal miners has brought losers and winners in the sub-sector, creating a myriad of socio-political problems. However, official attempts to curb it have exacerbated the systemic problem of mineral governance. This paper analyses the emerging challenges and opportunities posed by the entrance of migrant miners into the country with insights into the assumptions on resources and conflicts. It takes a closer look at the causes, effects and dynamics of confrontation and collaboration between migrant small scale miners and their counterparts in the host nation. It argues that the current governance system of small scale -mining based on national control over exploitation is anachronic and not well adapted to competitive, sustainable and fair management of mineral resources, and proposes a sustainable partnership to harness complimentary skills to avoid deepening the resources conflicts  which have plagued the mining districts.