Small-scale miners embrace sustainable practices as galamsey impact deepens

Artisanal Small-scale Miners (ASM) are upgrading their skills in environmentally sustainable mining following a three-day training workshop from September 9–12, 2025, in Akim Oda, Birim Central Municipality.

The programme, part of the Fair4All Project supported by Oxfam, aimed to strengthen women’s capacity in adopting sustainable practices within the gold value chain.

Led by Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF-Ghana) and Friends of the Nation (FoN), the workshop brought together female ASM, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, and municipal assembly representatives to curb illegal small-scale mining, which is eroding vegetation and forest reserves.

FoN Project Officer Solomon Kusi Ampofo guided participants through ethical mining stages, including geological surveys, resource assessment, mine planning, and operational development.

He advocated for mercury-free gold recovery using borax, noting it is “more economical and less damaging to the ecosystem than mercury amalgamation.”

He also stressed safety measures, including using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to minimise exposure to chemicals, sharp materials, and dust.

Acting EPA Director for Birim Central Municipality, Sylvester Awozum, highlighted the importance of official licences and permits, stating they “ensure that mining firms will commit to rehabilitating any land that has been disturbed” and that operations benefit local communities.

WiLDAF Project Officer Dorcas Mawuena Gakpetor encouraged female miners to follow responsible mining guidelines to improve the public image of artisanal mining.

“We campaign for greater involvement of women in mining, agriculture, and petroleum industries,” she said.

Birim Central Municipal Planning Officer Royal Antwi called for stakeholder input to reform policy and enhance the new mining cooperatives’ programme.

The training included practical sessions at a gold concession near Akim Oda Nkwanta, allowing participants to observe sustainable operations firsthand.

Victoria Adobea Guerrieri, National Women’s Coordinator for the Ghana Association of Small-scale Miners, engaged with participants on sustainable methods to motivate advocacy for female-owned mining concessions.

SB/MA

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