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Small-scale mining (SSM), encompassing the exploration, extraction, processing, and closure stages, significantly degrades the environment and poses risks to human health. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental and socio-economic impacts of SSM activities in the Atiwa East District of Ghana through three key objectives: analyzing mining methods, assessing waste generation and management practices, and examining environmental and socio-economic consequences. A total of 210 respondents were selected using random and purposive sampling techniques. The findings revealed that most miners acquired their lands through purchases from family heads or private individuals. Mining activities predominantly occurred in forested areas, involving alluvial/surface and underground gold mining techniques. The primary waste products identified were overburden, gravel, and wastewater. Across six Small-scale mining sites, the study documented 50 overburden heaps with a combined volume of 610,933.22 cubic feet and 49 gravel heaps totaling 75,784.43 cubic feet. The environmental impacts of SSM were significant, including the destruction of crops, soil infertility, and widespread pollution, such as contamination of the Birim River, with pollution levels exceeding WHO guidelines. These environmental challenges have led to socio-economic issues, such as unemployment, rising living costs, and increased land pressure. Additionally, social problems, including substance abuse, teenage pregnancies, and disruptions to education, were observed. This study highlights the severe environmental and societal consequences of small-scale mining and reiterates the need for sustainable practices aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

The uncertainties and biases associated with Global Climate Models (GCMs) ascend from global to regional and local scales which delimits the applicability and suitability of GCMs in site-specific impact assessment research. The study downscaled two GCMs to evaluate effects of climate change (CC) in the Black Volta Basin (BVB) using Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM) and 40-year ground station data. The study employed Taylor diagrams, dimensionless, dimensioned, and goodness of fit statistics to evaluate model performance. SDSM produced good performance in downscaling daily precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature in the basin. Future projections of precipitation by HadCM3 and CanESM2 indicated decreasing trend as revealed by the delta statistics and ITA plots. Both models projected near- to far-future increases in temperature and decreases in precipitation by 2.05-23.89, 5.41–46.35, and 5.84–35.33% in the near, mid, and far future respectively. Therefore, BVB is expected to become hotter and drier by 2100. As such, climate actions to combat detrimental effects on the BVB must be revamped since the basin hosts one of the largest hydropower dams in Ghana. The study is expected to support the integration of CC mitigation into local, national, and international policies, and support knowledge and capacity building to meet CC challenges. HIGHLIGHTS The study downscaled two GCMs to evaluate the effects of climate change over the Black Volta Basin using the SDSM.; The study revealed that the SDSM provided a good performance across the selected stations.; Both models projected near-to-future decreases in precipitation in the near-, mid-, and far-future.; The Black Volta Basin is expected to become hotter and drier by 2100.; The SDSM is a powerful tool for climate change assessment.;

The study employed the binary logistic regression model, Chi-square, and likelihood ratio test to explore the nexus between socio-demographic characteristics and role assignment as well as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) undertakings in the Amansie Central District of Ghana. Simple random sampling was employed to sample 250 respondents from three (3) different mining sites. The results revealed that socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, and work experience significantly impacted the type of role assumed by individuals in ASGM undertakings. For the socio-demographic effects on OHS issues, male respondents especially those in the age group between 18 and 35 with less work experience and education had a higher risk of recording injuries/accidents. Other risk factors such as types of role, reasons for ASGM, awareness of OHS hazards, awareness of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), usage of PPE, arrest for not using PPE, cost of PPE, and frequency of buying PPE had a statistically significant influence on the occurrence of injuries/accidents. It is recommended that the Government implement initiatives to ensure that workers in ASGM operations in Ghana are provided with training, education, resources, and support services to ensure their safety and well-being, taking into account their socio-demographic characteristics. Also, the government and related stakeholders create more jobs through sustainable mining with long-term potential in local districts to address goals 1 (No poverty) and 2 (zero hunger) of the sustainable development goals.

It is noted that most developing countries such as Ghana are still grappling with health and safety policies and practices as governments and corporations have made insignificant efforts. This study utilized a questionnaire since it is suitable for both illiterate and literate respondents and allows for the gathering of massive quantities of data in a short space of time. The descriptive statistics, chi-square, likelihood ratio test regression, and correlation were used to assess the occupational safety and health knowledge and practices of employees in the artisanal small-scale gold mine in Obuasi. Although majority of the respondents had less than 5 years of job experience, however about 36% and 19% of the respondents had between 4-10 years and 11–15 years of experience respectively. However, the study further observed that an increase in health and safety practices such as safety training, committee, education, facilities, etc. will increase the level of knowledge of respondents on health and safety policies. The study further revealed that the more health and safety practices, the higher the primary responsibility of site managers to ensure that workers are practicing safety. However, the general working conditions of respondents did not meet acceptable standards as revealed by the observation checklist. The study, therefore, recommends that prime Stakeholders in the ASGM need to consider investing in future research on ASGM safety issues to acquire accurate database on ASGM operations safety.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), which is quickly surging and largely practised across Sub-Saharan Africa, is a substantial source of income for many people in the areas where it is undertaken. However, despite this recognized potential, ASGM offers several problems to those who indulge in it, particularly, the health and safety of miners, given that ASGM is extremely unsafe. The purpose of the research was to look into the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) practices in Ghana's ASGM sector, with a focus on ‘Ntotroso’, and uncover the flaws so that important players and regulators are aware. The findings give a comprehensive picture of human health concerns in Ghanaian ASGM communities when taken collectively. The study used a quantitative research technique, with all 110 survey participants being sampled. The study discovered the non-existence of OSH system management, while the predominant cause of accidents emanates from physical, mechanical, chemical, biological, noise, ergonomic, and psychological hazards. This leads to injuries, fatalities, and absence from work. Also, the study detected a poor level of adherence and strategies for enhancing OSH policies in ASGM since there was none to refer to. These findings suggest that there are OSH violations in the ASGM sector in the study area. The study, therefore, suggests increased safety training, increased use of personal protective equipment, and frequent inclusion of drone technology into regulatory compliance monitoring of ASGM are all possible goals for attaining OSH standards.