Resource curse and sociospatial implications of artisanal gold mining in Ghana

Illegal artisanal and small-scale gold mining (galamsey) poses urgent environmental and governance challenges in Ghana. This study investigates its persistence through the Resource Curse Theory and political ecology. It analyzes the spatial distribution of galamsey, examines the governance dynamics that sustain it, and proposes pathways for more sustainable mining governance. The study employed a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design. District-level shapefiles, regional boundaries, and river networks were processed in ArcGIS to map galamsey hotspots. Policy and institutional documents underwent qualitative content analysis, and findings were drawn on triangulation with secondary literature and international reports. The results show that galamsey occurs in more than 120 of Ghana’s 261 districts, with the heaviest concentrations in the Western, Ashanti, Eastern, and Central Regions. Over 60 percent of hotspots overlap with major river basins and forest reserves, amplifying ecological risks. Governance analysis demonstrates that weak institutions, elite capture, and contested access to resources sustain galamsey, reflecting the dynamics of the resource curse. The analysis advances a Sustainable Mining Framework (SMF) that emphasizes community participation, legal clarity, and institutional accountability. Comparison with South Africa’s Mining Charter illustrates the need for hybrid approaches that integrate state regulation with community engagement. The study links spatial evidence with political–ecological analysis to enrich debates on resource dependence and sustainable mining futures. It provides empirical evidence and a conceptual framework that strengthen prospects for reforms aligning mineral wealth with long-term ecological and social sustainability.