Impacts of Small-scale Mining on Hazardous Child Labour in the Upper West Region, Ghana

Abstract

This study investigates the impacts of small-scale mining on hazardous child labour in the Upper West Region of Ghana, drawing on the poverty hypothesis and the conceptualization of children as household assets. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research engaged 33 purposively selected participants through in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that children are driven into hazardous child labour due to factors such as poverty, poor academic performance, parental absence, and the weak enforcement of educational and child labour laws. Additionally, the study identified the detrimental effects of hazardous child labour on children’s education and health. Many children engaged in small-scale mining exhibited poor academic performance, fatigue, and health complications such as skin rashes, respiratory issues, and joint pains. The findings emphasize that hazardous child labour perpetuates cycles of poverty, deprives children of their fundamental rights to education and well-being, and poses a significant barrier to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (quality education) and 8 (decent work and economic growth). This study recommends strengthening the enforcement of child labour laws, providing social safety nets for impoverished families, and raising public awareness about the risks associated with child labour. Furthermore, the involvement of traditional authorities and community stakeholders is critical to combatting hazardous child labour and fostering a protective environment for children. The research contributes to the limited literature on hazardous child labour in small-scale mining, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners.