Galamsey, Gender Dynamics, and Sustainable Development : Toward Inclusive Solutions for Ghana's Mining Communities

Illegal small-scale mining, or galamsey, is a pressing environmental and socio-economic challenge in Ghana, with profound gendered impacts. This article explores how galamsey exacerbates inequalities faced by women in mining communities, including loss of livelihood, health risks, and social marginalization. It argues that effective interventions must integrate gender-sensitive development policies that empower women, promote equitable resource governance, and support sustainable livelihoods beyond mining. Drawing on feminist development theory and case studies from affected regions, the article proposes a multi-dimensional framework for addressing galamsey through inclusive governance, community participation, and gender-responsive environmental management.