Key publications
1. State of Mining in Northern
TAMA Foundation produced this report in November, 2021 with funding support from Ford Foundation.
The five northern regions of Ghana are rich in mineral and rock resources, including deposits of gold, iron, bauxite, diamonds, limestone, manganese, and granite. Mining activities are widespread, particularly on the three gold belts in the area, with operations ranging from illegal small-scale to large-scale companies. The dominant gold mining areas include the Bole-Nangodi and Lawra belts, as well as Nagrumah in the North East region, which is notable for its east-west mineralization, independent of the known gold belts.
In the Upper East region, significant gold deposits are found in Nangodi, Widnaba, Zangoyiri, Teshie, Tongo, and several other locations. The Pudo Titanic ferrous iron ore deposit, stretching from the Upper West into the Upper East region, is in various stages of exploration. Key companies in the region include Shaanxi Mining Limited, operating an underground gold mine in Gbane, and Cardinal Resources, developing the Namdini Mining Lease near Shaanxi’s site. Other companies like Cassius Mining Limited are also advancing their projects in the Talensi area, where quarry companies such as Upper Quarry Limited and Rocks and Mable Company operate. However, illegal mining is rampant in this region.
The Upper West region shows promising mineral potential with deposits in Dayonkura, Kuuri, and Cherikpong, dominated by alluvial, colluvial, and hydrothermal gold deposits. Companies like Azumah Resources and Carlie Mining Limited are active in the area.
In the Savannah region, mining activities are reported in Tutumba and Kui, with manganese prospecting in Seripe and Sakpa by Geological Management Consultancy. JH Resource Exploration and Birim Goldfields Limited are visible companies here, alongside numerous illegal mining operations. The Savanna, North East, and Northern regions are also known for limestone and iron deposits in Bimbila, Zabzugu, Buipe, and Gambaga, with isolated diamonds recorded as well.
Overall, the mineral potential in these regions is significant, with opportunities for both legal mining and further exploration, though illegal mining presents ongoing challenges
Objective
- To gather reliable data on mining companies, both legal and illegal mining operations, and the mineral deposits in Northern Ghana.
- To assess the impact of these activities on water bodies, forests, wildlife, and both state and private institutions.
- To provide reference maps and baseline information for future property acquisitions and exploration efforts.
- To offer solutions to mitigate the destruction caused by mining and provide a path forward for sustainable development.
Key research partners
- Faculty of Natural Resource and Environment (FNRE), University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale
- Minerals Commission
For detail information on research findings and follow-up discussions please contact
Executive Director, Dr. Chrys Anab
+233 24 482 1024
2. Natural Resource Conflicts in Northern Ghana
TAMA Foundation produced this report in June, 2024 with funding support from Ford Foundation
Increasing population growth, youth unemployment and rising poverty levels have contributed to the emergence of natural resource conflicts in Northern Ghana. Common pool natural resources are no longer viewed as communal resources but people lay claims to them depriving others from accessing them. Such conflicts have divided communities, clans and families creating insecurity and widening economic and social inequalities. This study is focused on identify the key natural resources driving conflicts in Northern Ghana. This should include minerals, land, forests/grasses, water bodies, rosewood and others. The assessment is aimed to examine the parties involved, effects of the conflicts and mechanisms available for resolving such natural resource conflicts.
Objective
To identify the key natural resources driving conflicts in Northern Ghana. These include minerals, land, forests/grasses, water bodies, rosewood and others. The assessment is aimed to examine the parties involved, effects of the conflicts and mechanisms available for resolving such natural resource conflicts.
Key research partners
Faculty of Natural Resource and Environment (FNRE), University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale
Key findings
- Three top natural resources conflicts identified were: gold mining as the leading cause of conflict, second Farmer-herder conflicts driven by disputes over land use between agriculturalists and pastoralists and third illegal tree felling and issues related to charcoal production.
- Other drivers of natural resource conflicts identified included: encroachment on protected areas, sand and gravel winning, farmland border conflicts, water use conflicts and hunting rights conflicts.
- The report underscores the complexity of resource management in Northern Ghana, where multiple stakeholders compete for limited resources, often leading to social and environmental challenges.
For detail information on research findings and follow-up discussions please contact
Executive Director, Dr. Chrys Anab
+233 24 482 1024
3. Illegal mining and water quality: Analysis of selected mining areas in Northern Ghana.
TAMA Foundation produced this report in June, 2024 with funding support from Ford Foundation
This study investigated the impact of illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” on water quality and its associated health risks. The aim of the study was to build the needed evidence to raise awareness on the environmental and health risks posed by illegal mining and to advocate for stricter regulatory measures and sustainable practices to safeguard both water resources and the well-being of affected communities in Northern Ghana.
The study focused on rivers and water bodies near illegal mining sites, assessing contamination levels from harmful chemicals like mercury, cyanide, and other heavy metals used in mining operations.
The findings indicated that water sources in these areas have significantly deteriorated, with high concentrations of pollutants exceeding safe levels for human consumption and agricultural use. The research also highlighted the direct health implications, including increased rates of waterborne diseases, heavy metal poisoning, and long-term impacts on public health, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
This study aims to raise awareness of the environmental and health risks posed by illegal mining and to advocate for stricter regulatory measures and sustainable practices to safeguard both water resources and the well-being of affected communities in Northern Ghana.
Key research partner
Water Research Institute, Tamale
For detail information on research findings and follow-up discussions please contact
Executive Director, Dr. Chrys Anab
+233 24 482 1024
4. Navigating the ‘Blessing or Curse’ Nexus of Mining: How is Northern Ghana Faring?
TAMA Foundation produced this report in June, 2024 with funding support from Ford Foundation
This piece of research work explored the impacts of mining activities in the five northern regions of Ghana, highlighting both the benefits and negative consequences. Mining in these areas, although still in developmental stages compared to southern Ghana, is seen as a critical economic activity with varied outcomes on the well-being of local communities.
For detail information on research findings and follow-up discussions please contact
Executive Director, Dr. Chrys Anab
+233 24 482 1024