Environmental Impacts of Illegal Gold Mining and Its Threat to Ecotourism Development in the Amansie South District

Abstract

The study interrogates the environmental impacts of illegal gold mining (IGM) and its threats to ecotourism development in the Amansie South District of Ghana. Environmental degradation as a result of illegal mining is a threat to the livelihood of individuals, ecotourism development and countries and the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially Goal 15 (to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss). Illegal gold mining is not new in Ghana, but miners' introduction of heavy machines is destroying forest and water resources. The study's main objective was to interrogate the environmental impacts of illegal gold mining (IGM) in Ghana and its threat to ecotourism development. To achieve the objective of the study, the qualitative research approach was used. Exploratory and descriptive research designs were employed for the study. A total of 26 representatives from government agencies, community leaders, and illegal miners in the Amansie South District Assembly in the Ashanti Region of Ghana were interviewed. For the different research objectives, content and thematic analyses were conducted. The study found that illegal mining has resulted in the destruction of the natural environment, especially forest and water resources, undermining ecotourism development. Local communities should be educated on the long-term environmental impacts of illegal mining and the benefits of ecotourism to the local economy and sustainable development. This research work adds to the existing literature on the environmental impact of illegal mining and contributes to the ongoing discussions on the threat of illegal mining to the environment in Ghana.