Civil society

Introduction

Rapid proliferation of large-scale mining activity after the privatization of mining industry in Ghana has increased demand for mineralized land throughout the country. Demand for large tracts of land required for large-scale surface mining is causing tensions between multinational mining companies and indigenous groups. Mining companies have gone through the necessary legal channels to secure concessions and should therefore have legal entitlement. But for indigenous people land provides their livelihoods and they have cultural ties to it (Obara and Jenkins 2006: 6).

Mining activities in Ghana usually take place in rural areas with high illiteracy rate. Land designated for large-scale mining is often taken from farmers without proper compensation and they have no chance to find another employment, since mining activities do not provide enough jobs to match the total number of people laid off from agriculture. This has led to deepening of poverty of the people.

In spite of economic benefits resulting from investments in infrastructure – such as roads, schools, hospitals, electricity and water supplies – communities within mine locations suffer from environmental degradation, as well as the health problems.

The concentration of mining activities has also resulted in massive migration of all kinds. Some people had to migrate in search of farmland, others were relocated or resettled by the mining companies, while the youth has migrated to the towns, especially Tarkwa, and to the mining areas in search of jobs. The growing displacement of communities has the potential of generating other social problems . Anyway, mining investment has had a seriously adverse impact on the social organization and cultural values of the people.

Description of the mining problem from our perspective

Galamsey

The most problematic land use disputes occur between small illegal miners called galamsey and large-scale mining companies. Small-scale illegal miners are mainly individuals operating on plots of land demarcated to other stakeholders, particularly mining companies. This causes grievances and companies are calling for intervention of Ghanaian Government. However, the government’s attempts to relocate illegal miners often generate escalated levels of agitation and conflicts and are unlikely to provide a long-term solution to the problem. The Ghanaian Government policies that focus on promoting the interests of large-scale mining and further marginalize prospective indigenous mining groups are again fuelling the rapid growth of galamsey communities

Environmental damages (contamination of water, land exploitation)

NGOs as WACAM talk us about the problem in various communities, for the discharge in drinking water of cyanide and other contaminants from the treatment of the metals extraction and the use of land for mining without regard to the needs and development of communities.

Land devaluation without proper compensation

It is a widespread problem, on which also the NGOs and civil society organizations like CSOs (Civil Society Organization) raise their voice and claim government assistance, as well as manage their land and leave them without work environment do not receive adequate compensation and not take into account affected communities in decision-making, which can not have a right advice and are negatively affected in the treatment, leading to social confrontations and discomfort with mining companies. They demand that the mining laws collect these problems and it provides an adequate treatment of the problem.

Lack of government support

NGOs as WACAM call to reform mining law, the land planning not to destroy the country's food reserves, provides information to communities so they know their rights and strive for them because the government does not involved enough.

In national forums community representatives and organizations talk about their rights and they pick up reports and they inform of the policies that are taking effect for the Government's part, as it seems some member from the government are also there.

Social organizations such as Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are fighting for the mining reforms. In the Third World's Network Africa on behalf of a series of groups of the civil society they asked for the harmonizing of the existent policies and the adoption of standards that they improve the cooperation. In turn they urged the African Governments to improve the understanding and the quality of the reforms.

Other organizations such as EITI that it is a coalition from Governments, companies and groups of the civil society that establishes the global standards of transparency at oil's industries, gas and mining, investors and international organizations. The EITI's rules establishing the promotion of transparency of the entrances to local level. Publish What You Pay (PWYP) a global coalition of the civil society that urges these to that really there be a transparency and rendition of accounts.

Poverty, illiteracy and child work

The articles that discuss this topic focuses mainly on the problem of illegal mining or “Galamsey” and the education and commitment to the communities affected. There are several NGOs working on the issue of illegal mining on this subject we quote Retired Mine Workers Foundation (REMWOF) which is working to make a return of workers to enable them to its development in the region. African Initiative on Mining, Environment and Society (AIMES) also called on the government to stop the looting of mining in Ghana, optimize the net benefit of mining, and also protect the sector with a new conception of investment that prioritizes a balance between artisanal and small scale.

On education are also many NGOs working on it such as World Partners for Development (WPD) and Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD). The first work to develop and implement innovative sustainable solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges that currently are affecting human life, especially in Africa is starting education and awareness program that includes governments, community-based organizations, international organizations and individuals to help rural communities and to improve quality of the environment.

The Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD) urges the government, enterprises and associations to find solutions for a balanced and sustainable development of populations because the resources now belong to the dead, the living and the unborn, and posterity will not forgive us if we are not able to secure a safe future for all. Also tell us to minimize social conflict is necessary to involve local people in the changes that are having about mining to meet them in the best way and still maintain their culture.

In addition Governments and international organizations should play a larger role through training, education and health awareness, and play a greater role in the dissemination and transfer of important technologies for small-scale mining. Communities should be empowered with awareness programs on education in mining and its effects, as we read in the article on the workshop organized by Friends of the Earth (FoE) brought together CSO´s, Forest Watch Ghana (FWG), Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Friends of Earth Uganda and Life Mosaic UK, where participants decided to train the indigenous peoples through effective education through regular community radio programs and dialogues with local authorities.

The main strategies proposed

The main strategies proposed to address communities affected by mining operations

The government should ensure adequate compensation for indigenous people.

The most important strategy to minimize social conflicts arising from mining is communication, effective cooperation and community participation. Communities who are affected must be consulted and have an equal say. Unlike the companies, indigenous people lack the efficient power to defend their interests. A transparent dialog should be provided by mediator, for example NGO. It is necessary to actively develop sensitivity to the traditions and culture of local people as well as to improve the understanding of the dynamics of modern mining and its implications on business relations.

One of the most effective and sustainable strategies are re-skilling programmes in alternative and sustainable livelihoods. This approach is used to address and eradicate poverty. Mining companies adopt this method in the belief that it will help reduce the communities’ economic dependence on the mine, so that communities are self-sustaining after the mine has closed. It could also provide alternative livelihoods for illegal small-scale miners operating on their concession. However, several potential problems arise. Firstly real financial support is needed to implement and sustain these projects until they are self-financing. Then for the programme to be successful adequate support and training must be provided throughout the lifetime of such projects to develop the capacity of those involved.

The main strategies proposed to address galamseys

The government should improve the registration process and restore galamsey's confidence towards legalization of small-scale mining. The land specifically allocated of for small-scale mining must be provided. However that means that intensive prospecting must be first undertaken. The government, international organizations as well as mining companies should play a larger role in training, education and health awareness in mining and its effects. Especially mining companies can also play a great part in transfer and incorporation of best technologies for small-scale mining.

List of references

News from Ghana Mining Portal, available from http://www.ghana-mining.org/ghanaims/SectorNews/NewsArchivesSEP2011/tabid/233/Default.aspx