Assessment of contamination and potential ecological risks of heavy metals in riverine sediments from gold mining and pristine areas in Ghana

•Distribution of HMs in riverine sediments around gold mining and pristine areas.•Statistical results showed high levels of the heavy metals in the mining areas.•Arsenic and Cd toxicity in the mining areas were high, indicating ecological impact.•Periodical monitoring of toxic metals in our waters in mining areas to mitigate impact.•Sensitization of the effects of mining on the environment and the health implications of the people from this study.