nature and extent of environmental pollution in the tarkwa prestea mining areas in the western region of ghana
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nature and extent of environmental pollution in the tarkwa prestea mining areas in the western region of ghana
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mining on mining sites, with a focus on the Tarkwa Prestea mining area. The descriptive survey was employed in the study, with a sample size of 40 participants. The data gathering instrument was a questionnaire. The collected data was processed using Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS).
The assessment’s findings show that the majority of Tarkwa Prestea mining villages have profited in a variety of ways from the corporation. It was discovered that Tarkwa Prestea Mining has a community relations policy that demonstrates the company’s dedication to satisfying its corporate social responsibility.
The study identified specific benefits such as the construction and regular maintenance of access roads, employment for local youth, the provision of scholarships for brilliant but needy students, the establishment and implementation of alternative livelihood programmes, and the provision of skills/vocational training.
Furthermore, the company’s social corporate responsibility is demonstrated by the development of school buildings, clinics, and social/community centres.
It was decided that Tarkwa Prestea mining had created and maintained positive relationships with local communities in the mine’s operations region. It has surely enhanced people’s living standards by providing some fundamental necessities of life, as previously stated.
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
Background for the Study
Mining operations in Ghana extend back to the precolonial era, with historical settlements such as Tarkwa, Prestea, Obuasi, and Konongo, to name a few. According to certain research, mining has made significant contributions to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and socioeconomic development in terms of direct and indirect employment and social infrastructure.
However, other studies have found that the negative effects of mining, such as water, air, and noise pollution, as well as the general deprivation of rich lands for agriculture, leave people significantly poorer in relative terms than before. The overall impact of mining is thus unfavourable (Antwi-Boasiako, 2003).
Surface mining occurs when reserves of commercially valuable minerals or rock are discovered near the surface. Mines are routinely expanded until the mineral deposit is depleted or the cost of removing bigger amounts of overburden makes further mining unprofitable. The two most common kinds of surface mining in gold production are strip mining and open-pit mining.
Most mining businesses in Ghana, notably Tarkwa Prestea Mining, have adopted open-pit mining as a method of surface extraction. This method of mining extracts gold faster and cheaper than underground mining, and mining workers are less likely to die from hazardous vapours, making it a safer option.
Surface mining, on the other hand, has a bigger environmental impact due to the destruction of surface landscapes, and as a result, it has a significant influence on the socioeconomic well-being and health of mining communities.
1.1 Statement of the Problem
According to the World Bank Group (2021), mining corporations give their communities with direct and indirect jobs, skill training, health and educational amenities, enhanced social and economic infrastructure, and support for small and medium-sized businesses.
However, there is another school of thought that mining operations have adverse effects on the local population by affecting their traditional means of livelihood, influx of newcomers to the area
which puts pressure on existing but inadequate social amenities, rising cases of social vices (e.g., teen pregnancy), and causing environmental problems ranging from waste rock and tailing disposal, land disturbance, air, water, and noise pollution, and ground vibration as a result. As a result, they claim that the negative aspects of mining outweigh the positive aspects.
A detailed examination of Tarkwa Prestea mining activities in the communities in terms of social obligations finds that most catchment villages have improved socioeconomically, however there are still significant difficulties to be addressed.
For example, in an effort to improve educational standards in mining communities, Tarkwa Prestea Mining has funded around one hundred (100) senior high school students in the Akyempim, Benso, and Mpohor (HBB) operations areas over the last three years.
Tarkwa Prestea Mining has also built basic school buildings in Old Subri, Akyempim, and Ningo, and has provided a monthly allowance package to around fifty (50) teachers over the same time period.
Tarkwa Prestea Mining frequently maintains major highways such as the Akyempim-Ateiku road, the Benso-Manso road, and the Mpohor Cold Store bypass road in an effort to ensure the smooth transit of people, goods, and services.
It is important to emphasise, however, that many young people’s aspirations in terms of skill acquisition and income growth have yet to be fully satisfied. For example, only roughly sixty of the approximately five hundred (500) youngsters who applied for training under the Golden Star Skill Training and Employable Programme (GSSTEP) in 2021 were able to receive training in one or both fields.
Again, the Sustainable Livelihood Programme, piloted in 2010 and 2021 in Akyempim and Ningo/Subriso, achieved just about 20% success.
1.2 Objectives of the Study
The primary goal of this study is to offer an overview of the effects that Tarkwa Prestea mining operations have on the lives of people who reside in mining districts.
1.3 Research Objectives
The study intends to accomplish the following specific objectives:
To determine the amount of mining in Tarkwa Prestea.
To determine the sources of livelihood for the communities in the GSWL.
Assess the impact of mining pollution on community livelihoods.
To offer solutions to improve the living conditions of these mining
1.4 Research Questions.
This study is based on the following research questions.
What influence do Tarkwa Prestea mining operations have on the livelihoods of catchment communities and the environment?
What benefits have Tarkwa Prestea’s people/communities received?
To what extent has GSWL affected the livelihoods of people in mining areas?
How might the living conditions of the people in the GSWL catchment area be improved?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The study is crucial in determining the actual contributions of Tarkwa Prestea mining to mining localities, as well as the amount to which people’s living standards have improved. It is hoped that this will provide unambiguous guidance to policymakers and legislators at both the centralised and decentralised levels, allowing them to make educated decisions not only to consolidate gains but also to minimise losses, if not eliminate them entirely.
The study will also provide regulatory agencies such as the Mineral Resource Commissions and the Environmental Protection Agency with the foundation for reviewing existing mining practices and recommendations to ensure environmental sustainability for current and future generations.
The government, chiefs, civil society organisations, and other interest groups would thus be informed of the true or opportunity cost of mining through an objective cost-benefit study of mining operations.
1.6 Delimitations.
The investigation is limited to the Tarkwa Prestea mining operations. In Ghana. Tarkwa Prestea mining operations traverse the limits of three districts: Mpohor Wassa East (Akyempim and Mpohor), Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal (Benso), and Ahanta West (Prestea and Awonakrom). This study, however, is limited to instructors from the Mpohor Wassa East area and the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly.
1.7 Structure of the Study
The study is divided into five chapters, the first of which is called Chapter 1. The second chapter presents a review of related literature on the effects of mining on catchment communities and the environment. Chapter three outlines the technique used for the study, while Chapter four talks with
Empirical results and explanation of the research findings. The fifth chapter includes a summary of findings, the study’s conclusion, and suitable suggestions.
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