Carleton University
The Persistent Involvement of Chinese Migrants in Small-Scale Mining in Rural Ghana: Role of the “Men” and the “Boys”
Abstract
dc:description.abstractIn the last two decades, rural Ghana has witnessed a substantial influx of Chinese migrants, who have predominantly engaged in (illegal) small-scale mining (locally known as galamsey) reserved by law for Ghanaian citizens. While the literature has focused on factors that motivate Chinese miners and the impacts of their involvement in Ghana’s SSM, there is relative dearth in examining the factors that sustain Chinese participation, and the responses of Ghanaian actors to Chinese miners’ involvement in the small-scale mining sector. This thesis explores the persistent issue of Chinese migrants’ involvement in Ghana's small-scale mining sector, investigating the collaborative efforts between local actors and Chinese miners. Drawing on Agency and Structure Theory and Political Ecology Theory, the study argues that economic motivations, regulatory gaps, socio-political networks, advanced technique and machinery sustain Chinese involvement in Ghana’s SSM. The patronage system involving “Boys” and “Men” shapes this dynamic, influencing access, protection, and policy.
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Level thesis:degree_level
- Master's
- Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
- Political Science
- Grantor dc:publisher
- Carleton University
- Year dc:date.issued
- 2024
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Afferi, Thomas Parker
Rights
dc:rights- Statement dc:rights
-
- Copyright © 2024 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, distribution to students, research and scholarship. Theses may only be shared by linking to the Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be copied without proper attribution to the author; no part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.
- Language dc:language.iso
- en
Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/43410