Measuring the negative effects of illegal mining on water bodies in Ghana (A case study of Kenyase in the BrongAhafo Region)

Mining activities accelerate the rate and degree of changes in the natural environment. These activities modify landscapes and can have short and long-term impacts on communities and water resources due to their physical degrading nature, as well as the use of chemicals and other harmful substances. The purpose of this study is to examine the negative impact of illegal mining on water bodies, to assess the health implications and to evaluate the economic outcomes using Kenyase district in the BrongAhafo Region of Ghana as a case study. Again, it looks at the role played by authorities concern such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of land and Natural Resources in protecting the land and water bodies in Ghana. The study reveals that farmers and inhabitants in the communities face several challenges ranging from pollution of water bodies, spread of diseases, erosion and climate change, low crop yield and land degradation. The study further gives suggestions and recommendations to avert illegal mining to safe our land and water bodies.