A Study of the Effects of Mining Activities on the Health Status of People: A Case Study

摘要

Mining activities began many years ago with small scale mining. Over the years, many corporate organizations have invested in exploring minerals in the country. Very huge returns have been achieved by such companies. The onset of mining activities bring along several issues, both negative and positive, relating to the environment, health and economic situation of the host community. The purpose of this paper is to identify the effects of mining activities on health status of miners and their host communities in Ghana. The research has revealed that although malaria existed before mining operations began, the current rate of infection is quite alarming and on the increase. Other forms of health effects were identified as skin diseases, upper/acute respiratory tract infections and cholera.