Impact of illegal mining activities on the livability of people: case study of Asankragua community in Western Region of Ghana

This study examined the impact of mining activities on the livability of people in Asankragua in Ghana using a qualitative methodology. Thirty semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with different members of the community to explore the impact of mining activities on the quality of life of community members in Asankragua and it environs. The study concluded that, although mining creates some economic opportunities, it destroys the environment, socially disrupts and creates health related illnesses. Some major issues highlighted in the research include deforestation, pollution, erosion, loss of farmland and meagre infrastructural development. The study also highlighted high cost of living in mining areas, as well as the possible tensions between miners and farmers and the role of environmental justice movements. The study dives into how mining activities impact community livability from a local perspective, rather than solely looking at economic indicators.