Females’ engagement in Galamsey and its effects on household livelihoods in Ghana: A case of Manso Ayirebikrom in Amansie South District

Abstract

Intensive measures to stop galamsey are still effective. However, these measures havenotconsidered the livelihoods of those engaged, particularly females and are thereforequestionable in mainstream literature. Hence, this study assessed the effects of females' engagement in galamsey on their household livelihoods. The study employedamixedresearch approach. It included semi-structured interview questions, primary data fromasample of 50 females, and relevant literature. The study identified that females, tomeethousehold needs but lack sufficient income resulting from a lack of productive employmentand other factors, enter into galamsey, with their income, substantially contributingtohousehold needs. However, the study further disclosed that galamsey is unstableandinsecure as females hardly cope with ban enforcement, health and safety concerns, andgender marginalization, which challenge females’ households. The study recommendedthatpolicymakers and development organizations, including the government, Ministry of Labour, Rural Development, Gender and Social Protection, and NGOs, create job opportunities, provide credit facilities and affordable loans to support female entrepreneurs, anddiversifytheir income sources. Furthermore, the government is advised to empower females througheducation, gender awareness, leadership, and livelihood programmes to enable themtoleverage several livelihood opportunities to improve their households.