Title: Perception of stakeholders on the posting of a reclamation bond in the small-scale mining sector in Ghana: A case study of Prestea Huni Valley District of the Western Region

The small-scale mining sector in Ghana contributes greatly to the country’s economy, yet it is also associated with negative environmental impacts, such as land degradation and water pollution. This is because most miners in the sector have shifted from the mining methods used during the colonial time, which involved the use of simple or hand-held equipment, to the use of highly technological equipment for the extraction of the minerals. A reclamation bond has been continuously deployed in the large-scale sector to promote sustainability and ensure reclamation of the mined site in their operation. Introduction of the reclamation bond for the small-scale mining sector would help curb the extensive degradation caused by these activities. Based on these issues, this study assessed the perception of stakeholders on the introduction of a reclamation bond for the small-scale mining sector for three communities in the Prestea Huni Valley District of the Western Region of Ghana. Based on interviews with concession owners and representatives of regulatory institutions and the miners’ association in the district, the study’s results indicated that introducing reclamation bonds would ensure compliance in the sector, enforce miners to practice concurrent reclamation sustainably and mitigate some negative environmental impacts. The findings suggest that the reclamation bond fee must be moderated when introduced, to enable miners to comply. In addition, payment of the bond must not be full payment at the initial stage of operation, but rather as the mine progresses. To achieve this, miners must be well trained and educated about the reclamation bond. There is the need for government assurance to the miners on how the funds will be refunded to them after a successful reclamation.