Myths and superstition in the small-scale gold mining industry of Ghana

Abstract

In most parts of the world, there are several inexplicable happenings and these are generally shrouded in myths. In the mining industry of Ghana, especially the artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM), miners have several habits and conventions based on superstition and myths. Such superstitious beliefs and myths govern the selection of people to work in mining pits, gold processing, working and resting days as well as specific rituals to perform at specific times through the life of the mine. For example, women in their menses are prohibited from entering into mining pits and areas where gold is handled for fear that the gods seeing an ‘unclean’ person will withdraw the gold which is believed to belong to the gods. Though there are several beliefs and myths that influence the operations of the miners most of these have not been documented. This paper thus presents certain beliefs and myths. that govern the activities of small-scale gold miners in Ghana.