Riches for Few, Disaster for All: The rise of indiscriminate mining activities in Ghana

For anyone who cares about the future we’re leaving for the generations to come, the sight of polluted rivers by mining activities doesn’t just sadden the heart— it breaks your spirit. Once-clear waters have turned cloudy and toxic, leaving you to wonder whether our leaders genuinely care about the well-being of the people and the nation at large.

Rivers that once sustained agriculture, fisheries, and entire communities now flow with murky, poisoned waters. In fact, but for its sheer volume, you might easily mistake the Ayensu, Pra, and Daaban for Ideal Milk. The question is: Why are our water bodies being polluted at such an alarming rate and scale? What are we missing, or simply failing to address?

Negligence in constructing tailing dams

One of the key failures of mining operations particularly small-scale operators is their negligence in constructing tailing dams—crucial structures that prevent the release of toxic waste and chemicals into nearby rivers. These dams serve to store mining waste, allowing it to be processed and treated. By the time the waste passes through these dams and is properly distilled, cleaner and safer water can then be released back into the environment.

In Ghana, the construction and management of tailings storage facilities are governed by the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety & Technical) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2182). These regulations outline stringent requirements for hazard classification, embankment construction, tailings storage facility impoundment, discharge systems, and overall safety arrangements. The Chief Inspector of Mines holds the authority to oversee and monitor the compliance of these tailings storage facilities.

According to LI 2182, the design and construction of any tailings dams must be carried out by a qualified engineer, duly approved by the Chief Inspector of Mines. In addition, each mining operation with a tailings dam is mandated to appoint an independent engineer to conduct annual safety audits, ensuring the continued structural integrity of these facilities.

While the regulations do not explicitly require emergency drills with local communities, tailings storage facilities are only permitted to be located in areas where a potential embankment failure would not pose a significant threat to human life. This safety provision underscores the importance of situating tailings dams in zones where the risk to surrounding populations is minimized.

The palpable compromise from our leaders

Despite the comprehensive guidelines set forth in the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety & Technical) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2182), there is a significant gap in regulatory enforcement, particularly within the small-scale mining sector. Many small-scale miners—both licensed and unlicensed—consistently fail to comply with these critical regulations.

The non-compliance with tailings dam construction requirements has led to severe environmental degradation, with toxic waste and harmful chemicals being discharged directly into our rivers and streams. This lack of adherence not only jeopardizes the health of aquatic ecosystems but also poses significant risks to local communities that rely on these water bodies for their livelihoods.

The root of the problem extends beyond the miners themselves and points to a broader issue of regulatory inefficiency and oversight. Despite the presence of regulations, enforcement is markedly lax. There is a notable absence of rigorous monitoring and enforcement actions from the authorities, allowing these violations to persist unchecked. This regulatory loophole reflects a troubling compromise by our leaders, who, whether through negligence or complicity, permit these hazardous practices to continue.

Unfortunately, the failure to enforce regulations and the apparent disregard for the consequences of unregulated mining activities suggest a concerning level of acquiescence from those in power. The leaders tasked with safeguarding our environmental and public health seem to be prioritizing short-term gains or personal interests over the long-term well-being of our nation. This compromise not only undermines the effectiveness of our regulatory framework but also endangers the future of our natural resources and the health of our communities.

The way forward

It is imperative that we address this issue with urgency. Strengthening regulatory enforcement, ensuring compliance, and holding both miners and authorities accountable are essential steps toward mitigating the environmental impact of mining activities. Failure to do that means we are sowing the seeds for our own destruction. And oh! posterity will judge us all.

Samuel Tetteh Tei

Development Economist | Trade Policy Analyst | Market Entry Strategist

samueltettehtei@gmail.com