ABSTRACT
The legal framework under which mining takes place in Ghana requires that mining, and other minerals-related activities, can only are undertaken legitimately in Ghana under a licence granted by the minister responsible for mining. While the law broadly provides for what and how mining and minerals-related activities can take place, it makes a special provision for small-scale mining. To facilitate livelihood creation for its impoverished population the government has restricted small-scale mining only to Ghanaian citizens. Small-scale mining has developed from predominantly artisanal operations to semi and fully mechanized operations, which together currently contribute more than a third of Ghana's total gold production. Mining sector policy is considered within the following three areas of government responsibility: ensuring growth and socio-economic development; facilitating the generation of livelihoods for citizens; and ensuring the rule of law—clear definition of, compliance with and enforcement of laws—to ensure that the rights of all residents are protected.
