Geological site investigations must complement anti-galamsey efforts, for true environmental recovery in Ghana.
The effects of illegal mining are both short-term and long-term in nature. That is why from a critical geological point of view, stopping illegal mining of gold and other resources without proper geological site investigations, soil sampling, analysis and rehabilitation henceforth, will yield very negative long-term effects in Ghana
The negative effect of mining on the soil is evident in how it affects those involved in construction, agricultural activities, and the use of water by local people for various purposes.
While there is no direct statistics at the Africa level or in Ghana specifically, most engineering structures in Ghana do not tend to meet the requisite geological site investigation criteria prior to the design and construction of such projects. Aside from large scale construction activities, most construction activities in Ghana are small scale which do not go through the needed geological site investigations that are needed on the lands, and repeating this in previously mined areas with footprint land degradation will be a dangerous step.
Ghana’s Geological Blindspot and Role of Site Investigations
Most geological terrains have certain geological factors such as weak or deformational rocks, uneven rock head, compressive earth materials, ground water conditions and records of ground movement (seismicity, landslide, earthquake) that could possibly posse a serious threat to engineering project. For constructors, these factors will lead to delays and cost overruns but the overall negative effects run deeper.
In their recent article, Arhin and Behuria (2025) noted that compared to Rwanda, a relatively lower income country, Ghana lags behind when it comes to geological mapping or investigations, driven by low focus on the issue by the political class. If this is the situation even when mineral resources are in the ground, what happens after they have been extracted and there is the need to reclaim the land. Or what happens to the lands that have been destroyed over the past decade through aggressive illegal mining.
It is necessary to conduct site investigation on geological terrains in order to determine the suitability of a particular site for an intended project. The result of such investigation can also provide information on groundwater conditions and properties of the geological earth materials.
At the onset of the site investigations, insitu explorations or field test are carried out. This includes i) standard penetration test (SPT), ii) Shear Vane Test (SVT), iii) Cone penetration Test (CPT either dynamic or static), iv) Flat Plate Dilatometer Test (DMT), and v) Pressure Meter Test (PMT), among others.
The data collected from the various test are interpreted, and recommendations on the shear strength test, relative density and bearing capacity are factored in the engineering design criteria. This has the potency to avert the effect of possible future disasters or damage these geological factors mentioned above could posse to engineering projects or structures.
Damaging effects of ignoring geological site investigations in post-mining areas
The negative effects of post-mining hazards on local communities have been excessively documented in countries like South Africa. In the Ghanaian context, some of the possible long-term hazards that will need geological site investigations to minimize them in previous ‘galamsey’ areas include, contamination of water bodies with mercury, cyanide, arsenic, and other toxic heavy metals, especially in rivers like Pra, Offin and Densu. Some of the abandoned areas could also been breeding sites for mosquitoes.
Besides, there is high risk of soil and ecosystem degradation through loss of soil fertility and biodiversity loss. With current calls for increase in local agriculture investment, there is the need to conduct assessment of the mining cites especially for investors that want to farm in export-driven cash crops. There is also the risk of disruption to the flora and fauna.
Thirdly, there are many health and socio-economic implications of the already illegal mining activities on the local economy. Aside the huge cost that the government will have to spend to support national level site investigation efforts, there are also possible costs that could be driven by burden on the health system through persistent exposure to heavy metals to residents of the local areas. Concerns about neurological disorders, cancers, kidneys and birth defects are just few of the cost drivers. Without proper site investigation, soil sampling and analysis, food products produced in reclaimed lands could face global market entry restrictions because of exposures to the heavy metals in the soil.
What must key stakeholder do?
Given the negative effects of illegal mining even after it is stopped on local communities, why must we advocate for increased geological site investigations and geochemical analysis? Geochemical analysis seeks to determine the elemental composition of rocks, soils and other samples using specialized equipment such as X ray Fluorescence (XRF), Atomic Absorption Spectrometers (AAS), Mass spectrometers and Spectrophotometer. To ensure ground stability issues are addressed, soil quality for agriculture is checked, water quality (Turbidity, Temperature and pH) and drainage issues are resolved and chemical hazards are contained. These requires efforts from various stakeholders in Ghana.
The government must enforce strict environmental and land use regulations for post-mining areas. It should ensure site investigations, soil sampling, soil/geochemical analysis are conducted before approving any redevelopment or agricultural use. It must provide technical and financial support for land rehabilitation where needed. Also, Monitoring and enforcement agencies should be active and transparent in their oversight.
Local chiefs should safeguard community interests by ensuring land is only released for safe and sustainable use. They must work with experts to understand the risks of former mining lands. Chiefs should encourage open community consultations before any construction or farming begins. They play a key role in balancing development and long-term safety.
Constructors and agricultural investors must conduct full geological and environmental site investigations before starting any project. They should follow professional recommendations on land suitability and required remediation. They must avoid shortcuts that could lead to land failure, contamination, or legal issues. Responsible development is essential for safety, sustainability, and profitability.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) should raise awareness among communities about the risks and rights related to post-mining land use. They must advocate for transparency, environmental justice, and responsible redevelopment. They can also support local monitoring, reporting unsafe practices, and pushing for rehabilitation where mining damage remains. CSOs act as a bridge between communities, experts, and authorities.
Conclusion
Post-mining geological site investigations, soil sampling, soil/geochemical analysis are essential for ensuring that the land is safe, stable, and suitable for construction or farming. Skipping this step could lead to structural failure, crop failure, or health hazards due to contamination.
Derrick Duho is an independent geological Analyst. He has worked with Ghana Manganese Company Limited, China Geo-Engineering Corporation, Hydro-Fat Engineering and Consultancy Service Ltd, Mobekon Geo-Engineering Limited and Dataking Research Lab. He holds a degree in Geology. His interest is in exploring public policy issues in the extractives sector in the Global South.
References
Arhin, G. E., & Behuria, P. (2025). Why do countries invest in geological investigations for minerals? A comparative analysis of contrasting outcomes in Ghana and Rwanda. Geoforum, 163, 104300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2025.104300
Festin, E. S., Tigabu, M., Chileshe, M. N., Syampungani, S., & Odén, P. C. (2019). Progresses in restoration of post-mining landscape in Africa. Journal of Forestry Research, 30(2), 381-396. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-018-0621-x
Harries, K. L., Woinarski, J., Rumpff, L., Gardener, M., & Erskine, P. D. (2024). Characteristics and gaps in the assessment of progress in mine restoration: insights from five decades of published literature relating to native ecosystem restoration after mining. Restoration Ecology, 32(1), e14016. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.14016
Tibbett, M. (2024). Post-mining ecosystem reconstruction. Current Biology, 34(9), R387-R393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.065
