ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the extent, nature and effects of mineral rents on the socio-economic development of Ghana with specific focus on the western part of Ghana. Field data was collected from two municipalities and one metropolitan area, namely Tarkwa Nsuaem, Prestea Huni Valley and Sekondi-Takoradi respectively. The chapter starts by analysing the household demographic information with the view to understanding the major characteristics of the respondents. This is preceded by analyses of the well-being of household members and their housing characteristics. Further analyses of education and access to medical care in the Western Region are also presented in this chapter. This is followed by analyses of the job opportunities that mining provides. Analyses of transparency and accountability on the mineral governance sector are also presented. The chapter also analyses the extent to which the mining sector promotes equitable participation of especially vulnerable persons of Ghanaian society in relation to employment opportunities in the mining sector.
