Galamsey as an asset and a menace in the Ghanaian space economy

Illegal small-scale mining, popularly referred to as galamsey, is a long-standing issue in Ghana, impacting its economy and environment. While it provides livelihood opportunities, it threatens sustainable land use, environmental health, and socio-economic stability. The complexity of this activity has created debate regarding its value as an economic asset and threat. This paper examines the dual role of galamsey as an asset and a menace in Ghana's economy. The paper adopted a systematic review approach to examine the impact of galamsey on land use, governance, and livelihoods. The study concludes that the social and environmental costs of galamsey are higher than their economic benefits. The need arises for strict policies, sustainable land-use planning, and community action to arrest these impacts.