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.
