A future beyond illegal gold mining for youth in Ghana 

Mining has a myriad of impacts on communities, beyond the more easily discernible effects such as destruction and pollution. For instance, mining communities often see higher rates of sexually transmitted infections and teen pregnancy. FLOWER, a Ghana-based NGO, works in three communities on the intersection of environment, health and gender equality to minimise these effects and eliminate illegal mining activities. 

Header photo: Mining near Atewa forest, Ghana © Sander van Andel / IUCN NL

Illegal gold mining in Ghana is a major environmental problem, where nature and local communities suffer from its impacts as a result. Nature has to make way in the search for gold, trees are cut down, and deep pits are dug everywhere. The entire area is basically turned upside down. ‘Farmers cannot grow anything in this wasteland afterwards. In addition, special nature has been lost, and wild animals have been driven out of their habitats,’ explains William Appiah, a member of FLOWER (short for Facilitating Learning Of Women in Emerging Regions).  

The organisation advocates for women and youth in three communities in the Atewa landscape in Ghana: Akanten, Kobreso and Wamase. These communities all see high rates of illegal gold mining, as many young people struggle to make a living and therefore turn to mining to earn an income. However, not only does this destroy their natural environment and negatively affect their communities, but it also destroys their future: once the gold is gone, there is nothing left for them. 

Shining a light on the impacts of illegal mining 

The illegal gold mining also causes health problems in the region due to the use of mercury in the extraction of gold. ‘This is nice and cheap,’ says Appiah, ‘but the use of this metal has a dark side. A variety of chemicals contaminate drinking water, and machines cause air pollution. This has a major impact on the communities around a mine.’ Long-term exposure to mercury can lead to health problems. ‘We see in the region that pregnant women who have come into contact with mercury are more likely to have children with defects, and more babies are stillborn.’ 

FLOWER helps young people in these communities by providing education and alternative livelihood options, protecting the environment and promoting good health. Appiah explains: ‘We provide health information to communities and schools on the negative impacts of illegal gold mining. For instance, we show them what the effect is on their body if they expose themselves to mercury through mining. We also work with the communities to safeguard their natural environment. Because a healthy environment means healthy people.’ 

The impact of mining on girls and women

Another major issue in these communities is the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the increase of teen pregnancies. Appiah: ‘What happens is that the young men who engage in illegal gold mining pay girls for sex. As a result, STIs spread fast through the communities, and many girls end up getting pregnant and dropping out of school. FLOWER tries to get these girls back to school when they drop out. We don’t want their pregnancy to be the end of their education. We also help them acquire technical skills to increase their job opportunities. And of course, we aim to address the root of the problem by eliminating illegal gold mining.’  

In five years, FLOWER hopes to have completely eliminated illegal gold mining activities in the three communities, which in turn will positively impact other problems in the community. ‘With mining eliminated, the health of the community will be improved, water bodies can be restored, and teenage pregnancy and STIs will be drastically reduced.’  

Strengthen the Roots

FLOWER works together with IUCN NL, Wilde Ganzen and A Rocha Ghana on Strengthen the Roots, a project supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery. Appiah: ‘The project has provided us with a lot of technical support, with trainings on for instance local fundraising or mobilising support. Collaborating with organisations such as A Rocha Ghana has really strengthened us and will hopefully help us to continue to grow in the future.’  

Sander van Andel, senior expert nature conservation at IUCN NL and part of the Strengthen the Roots project team, explains: ‘Strengthen the Roots supports community-based organisations in Ghana, Bolivia and Indonesia that stand up for nature in and around their communities, enabling them to mobilise local support for their work. This way, Strengthen the Roots works on nature conservation that is not performed top-down, but is driven by the collective strength of community organisations.’