Implementation of mining resettlement policies: a case in Ghana

Abstract

The extractive industry is often located in remote, environmentally sensitive, and less-developed areas that include many local lands and territories. Communities within these areas are often displaced or resettled to enable mining activities. Although mining is considered key to economic growth in most developing countries, both governments and mining industries often fail to factor in the extent to which mining resettlement programmes affect the livelihood dynamics of communities. Using a resettled community in the Western region of Ghana, the aim of the study was to investigate how public resettlement programmes and policies affecting multinational mining companies can be implemented in a manner that aids in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, the study sought to specifically examine the implications of mining sector resettlement programmes in Ghana on the livelihood dynamics of affected communities. The study employed the mixed-method approach, underpinned by the Impoverishment, Risk, and Reconstruction model, as well as the Sustainable Livelihood Framework. The purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select a total of seventy-two (72) participants. From the study, it was evident that the policies on compensation and resettlement were adhered to by the mining company. However, a major challenge was the weakness in the laws governing how mining resettlement and compensation were to be undertaken. Critical decisions concerning the future survival of the people after they part ways with their farmlands were relegated to these rural folks. From the findings, these rural folks appeared to lack the capacity to make informed decisions about their future livelihoods. Hence, they mostly settled for short-term measures such as cash payments and houses. This has resulted in economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and distortion of formal education. Issues of misrepresentation, time constraints, and lapses in the land ownership system in Ghana have complicated the resettlement process. Among other recommendations, the study suggests a review of the existing policies governing resettlement and compensation in Ghana to include wider stakeholder consultation, and the strict insistence on the implementation of alternative livelihood programmes. Government agencies, civil society organisations, and traditional leaders must collaborate to educate and empower communities to advocate for their rights effectively.