Accra: To promote gender equality in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector, the Environmental Protection Authority, under the planetGOLD Project, has initiated a comprehensive review of gender responsiveness in the ASGM policies, regulations, and operations. The initiative forms part of a broader commitment to integrate gender mainstreaming into Ghana’s mining value-chain.

According to Ghana News Agency, field teams embarked on a series of community engagements in the Eastern Region to collect first-hand data. Using structured questionnaires, the team visited four key mining communities, Dome, Hemang, Jampomgmane, and Dwenase, to interact with women mining groups and assess the challenges they face. Mrs Jewel Kudjawu, the Gender Officer, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who led the team, informed that in all four communities, women’s groups actively participated in gold processing and other small-scale mining activities.

She said the findings revealed that those groups, comprised mos
tly of women aged 18 to 45 with low levels of formal education, were formed to support income generation and community development. The data also revealed a common business model across the communities: members access capital through loans from sponsors, who in turn buy the processed gold. Most groups reported no formal dues system or financial training, and profits are shared among members after purchasing and processing ore bought from concession owners.

Despite their economic contribution, the women faced numerous systemic barriers but expressed a strong desire to climb the mining value chain. Many aspired to own mining concessions, while others were eager to receive training in operating excavators and heavy-duty trucks, skills traditionally dominated by men in the industry. On financial inclusion, Mrs Kudjawu noted that financial inclusion remained low as few women maintained bank accounts, and none had accessed formal bank loans. Instead, most rely on informal savings systems, which often result in los
s of savings.

Mrs Kudjawu added that the women had limited access to formal finance, impeding their ability to expand operations. Some other challenges include insecurity and harassment by regulatory authorities, harmful cultural taboos, and bans on bringing children to mining sites, along with prohibitions on certain foods and clothing believed to interfere with mining success. The team also engaged stakeholders, revealing various gaps in institutional support.

The EPA’s engagements reveal a clear picture: women are actively participating in Ghana’s ASGM sector, but face significant financial, cultural, and operational barriers. She stressed the importance for women to be supported to advance in the mining value chain through training and access to concessions. Financial literacy programmes must be introduced, and women should be encouraged to open business bank accounts.

The team advised mining companies and regulatory bodies to adopt and implement gender-responsive policies, while addressing cultural be
liefs and taboos that limit women’s participation in mining through community sensitization and dialogue. Mrs Kudjawu reiterated the EPA’s commitment to ensuring inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development within Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector.