Mercury and Mud: An Ethnographic Study of Artisanal Gold Mining and Demersal Fish Assemblages in the Pra River Estuary, Ghana

This study addresses a current research gap in Environmental Science concerning Impacts of Artisanal Gold Mining Mercury Runoff on Demersal Fish Assemblages in the Pra River Estuary, Central Ghana in Ghana. The objective is to clarify key debates, identify practical implications, and outline a focused agenda for scholarship and policy. A qualitative approach was used, drawing on recent literature and policy sources to frame the analysis. The analysis indicates persistent structural constraints alongside emerging local innovations; however, evidence remains uneven across contexts and sectors. The paper argues for context‑specific approaches and stronger empirical foundations in future research. Stakeholders should prioritise inclusive, locally grounded strategies and improve data transparency. Impacts of Artisanal Gold Mining Mercury Runoff on Demersal Fish Assemblages in the Pra River Estuary, Central Ghana, Ghana, Africa, Environmental Science, ethnographic study This structured abstract provides a standardised summary to support rapid screening, indexing, and assessment of scholarly contribution.