Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has been practiced in Ghana for many years, and contributes significantly toward socioeconomic development of communities where it occurs. In this paper, the contributions made by five different ASM operators drawn from three small-scale mining districts in Ghana are highlighted. Field visits were made to ASM sites and interviews were conducted with mine owners, supervisors, manual workers, contractors, and other indirect employees of ASM. The findings show significant employment to local population, and many social interventions such as rural electrification, provision of drinking water, construction of classroom blocks, provision of scholarships, and medical supports in the impoverished communities where the mining is practiced. It is concluded that ASM is an indispensable economic and social venture that requires technical and financial support from government, stakeholders and financial institutions to improve operations and ensure sustainabil
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