Operation and Frames of Illegal Gold Mining in Ghana

Illegal gold mining in Ghana popularly called ‘galamsey’ is a complex environmental and social problem which requires urgent attention because its impact is alarming. This research was conducted to study ‘galamsey’ operation and frames associated with this phenomenon. The result would assist in the negotiation process which may lead to a collective action to curb the menace. A qualitative case study design was used for the research and data collection instruments were participant observation, focus group discussion and informal interviews. Seventy eight (78) persons were purposively sampled for the study. The research revealed that ‘galamsey’ operation, a moneyspinning activity is socially organized and has resulted in varied challenges such as labour shortages and high labour wage especially in cocoa producing areas. Interestingly, ‘galamsey’ activity has enthused most cocoa and plantain farmers to be involved in minimum labour use projects. The research showed that people hold different frames about ‘galamsey’ which are associated with either agriculture, society or natural resources but lacks a collective action to control the situation. Since there is no collective action, a vigorous stakeholder analysis first to identify relevant stakeholders, their interests, relationship and frames on the situation to move toward a collective solution.