Title: Exploring the role of artificial intelligence in combating illegal mining in Ghana: barriers and policy implications

Authors: Anthony Acquah

Addresses: University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana

Abstract: The study aims to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is used to address the challenges posed by activities of illegal miners in Ghana. The study adopts exploratory research design within the qualitative research approach. The study concentrates on regions noted for illegal mining activities, in particular Eastern, Ashanti and Western regions of Ghana. Twenty-one participants were selected for interviews, including local government officials, community leaders, regional coordinating council, law enforcement bodies, legislators, staff from the office of the president, AI experts and illegal miners. Reflective thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. While AI has the potential to combat illegal mining, its effectiveness is greatly weakened by challenges such as poor data quality, inadequate technological infrastructure, lack of stakeholder engagement, weak environmental regulation and insufficient sustainable funding. These obstacles hamper the effective integration of AI for environmental monitoring purposes.

Keywords: technology; artificial intelligence; technology acceptance model; TAM; illegal mining; resource governance; mining; machine learning; drones; satellite imaging; developing economies; Ghana.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2025.150806

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2025 Vol.16 No.4, pp.315 - 335

Received: 28 Feb 2025
Accepted: 07 Aug 2025
Published online: 23 Dec 2025 *

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