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Moralizing Illegal Mining: A Corpus‐Assisted Appraisal Analysis of Media Reports on Galamsey (2020–2024)

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  • Bernard Ayine
  • Emmanuel Mensah Bonsu

Abstract

Using Martin and White's appraisal framework, this study investigated attitudinal resources in Ghanaian media reportage on galamsey. Analysis of 502 media reports revealed a discourse dominated by judgement resources, constructing galamsey as a moral and ethical issue. The study identified competing narratives around environmental devastation, governance failure, and socioeconomic injustice. The findings show how the media reports' judgement framing supports military interventions over structural reforms, neglecting fundamental factors causing galamsey, and threatening sustainable development. They further contribute to environmental discourse analysis. The study recommends policy interventions that prioritize institutional reforms and regulatory capacity building over military crackdowns. Future studies are suggested to consider diachronic and comparative analyses.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernard Ayine & Emmanuel Mensah Bonsu, 2026. "Moralizing Illegal Mining: A Corpus‐Assisted Appraisal Analysis of Media Reports on Galamsey (2020–2024)," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(1), pages 153-164, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:1:p:153-164
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70262
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Boadi, Samuel & Osei-Tutu, Paul & Acquah, Emmanuel & Tenkorang, Mary, 2025. "Physical injuries among illegal miners in Ghana: Implications for attaining the sustainable development goals," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).
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    5. Nyame, Frank K. & Blocher, Joseph, 2010. "Influence of land tenure practices on artisanal mining activity in Ghana," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 47-53, March.
    6. Rejoice Selorm Wireko-Gyebi & Imoro Braimah & David Anaafo & Abdul-Wadood Moomen & Anne Mette Lykke, 2025. "Challenges Associated with formalising Artisanal Small-Scale Mining in Ghana," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(2), pages 21582440251, May.
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