The impacts of small-scale gold mining on the natural environment, to some extent, depends on the method of mining or type of operation, the type of rock mined, and environmental management systems of the miners. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the nature and extent of environmental degradation associated with small-scale mining in three selected communities in northern Ghana. The study employed methods and tools such as Land Satellite Imagery, self-administered questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, observation and text and document reviews to collect relevant data for analysis and validation of findings for decision making processes. It was found that the mining methods used had adverse effects on the environment which included land degradation, water, air and noise pollution and biodiversity loss. Outstanding among the impact of small-scale mining on the natural environment was the 6.4% annual rate of land degradation in the study area contrasted to 5% in Ghana as a whole. Seeking answers regarding how long should such activities with such negative consequences on the natural environment and its resource base proceed without action constituted the central question investigated.