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The good in evil: a discourse analysis of the industry in Ghana

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  • Kwadwo Afriyie
  • John Kuumuori Ganle
  • Janet Afua Abrafi Adomako

Abstract

Galamsey, a low-tech, labour-intensive, small-scale mining activity in Ghana, has recently come under intense criticism and state policing despite being an important livelihood source. Based on empirical research, this paper uses discourse analysis to re-examine galamsey politics in Ghana, focusing on why people are engaged in galamsey despite attempts to curtail it. Findings suggest that for most individuals and communities, poverty, displacement from agricultural lands and unemployment explain their initial entry into the industry. However, the legal, regulatory and policing regimes, together with complex, ambivalent relationships between government, large-scale mining companies, traditional authorities and galamsey operators, all help to perpetuate galamsey. These findings provide a counter-narrative to the dominant discourse of opportunism and demonisation which often characterises public discussions on Ghana’s galamsey industry. Rather than the combative approach taken by the state towards the galamsey phenomenon, urgent legislative and policy reforms are needed in order to streamline the licensing regime and address the drivers of galamsey.

Suggested Citation

  • Kwadwo Afriyie & John Kuumuori Ganle & Janet Afua Abrafi Adomako, 2016. "The good in evil: a discourse analysis of the industry in Ghana," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(4), pages 493-508, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:oxdevs:v:44:y:2016:i:4:p:493-508
    DOI: 10.1080/13600818.2016.1217984
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gavin Hilson & Clive Potter, 2003. "Why Is Illegal Gold Mining Activity so Ubiquitous in Rural Ghana?," African Development Review, African Development Bank, vol. 15(2‐3), pages 237-270.
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    1. Mabe, Franklin N., 2023. "Small-scale mining policies in Ghana: Miners’ knowledge, attitudes and practices," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    2. Boafo, James & Obodai, Jacob & Stemn, Eric & Nkrumah, Philip Nti, 2024. "The race for critical minerals in Africa: A blessing or another resource curse?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    3. Asuamah Yeboah, Samuel, 2023. "Digging Deeper: The Impact of Illegal Mining on Economic Growth and Development in Ghana," MPRA Paper 117641, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 18 Mar 2023.
    4. Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai, 2017. "Competitive clientelism and the political economy of mining in Ghana," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series esid-078-17, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    5. Bester, Vidette & Groenewald, Liela, 2021. "Corporate social responsibility and artisanal mining: Towards a fresh South African perspective," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    6. Obodai, Jacob & Bhagwat, Shonil & Mohan, Giles, 2024. "The interface of environment and human wellbeing: Exploring the impacts of gold mining on food security in Ghana," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    7. Francis Xavier Dery Tuokuu & Uwafiokun Idemudia & Eugene B. G Bawelle & John Bosco Baguri Sumani, 2020. "Criminalization of “galamsey” and livelihoods in Ghana: Limits and consequences," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 44(1), pages 52-65, February.

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