Impact assessment of illegal small scale mining on construction of Tarkwa-Bogoso-Ayanfuri Highway in Ghana

Abstract

Small-scale mining involves exploitation of mineral deposits using rudimentary implements and at low levels of production with minimal capital investment. South-Western Ghana has the largest concentration of mining operat-ions of both large companies and small scale miners. Illegal mining activities have impacted negatively on road constructions in the Region. A typical case is the construction of the Tarkwa-Bogoso-Ayanfuri highway, which provides very important link between Western and Central Region of Ghana. Prior to the rehabilitation, illegal small-scale miners operated in close proximity to the old road, often impacting on the structural integrity in many sections, but with the construction of the new road, the activities of the small-scale miners assumed prominence. The impact assessment presented in this paper reveals the negative effects of illegal mining on the road constructi-on project; particularly, project delivery schedule, time delays for completion, additional cost to the project and security on the project, which were critical issues of concerns. Future formulation of road projects for South-Western Ghana must take cognizance of the issues, which must be factored in the project management.

Keywords: Impact assessment, Small-Scale Mining, Project Delivery, Project Cost, Project management, Alternative livelihood