Leg - Oxfam Novib launches the study report on corporative Human Rights Abuses in mining communities

 

Mining in Ghana has contributed many negative effects on the environment and on the health of local communities in Ghana,therefore Livelihood and Environment Ghana -LEG in collaboration with Oxfam Novib including other mining community actors across Ghana see the urgency needs in addressing the gaps.

Richard Adjei-Poku, Executive Director -LEG.

 Livelihood and Environment Ghana – LEG, a research and advocacy organization committed to community rights and environmental sustainability, unveiled a groundbreaking report on corporate human rights abuses in Ghana’s mining sector.

The launch, held at the Maxlot Hotel in Accra, brought together stakeholders institutions and experts to address the urgent issues facing mining communities.

Ghana, the largest gold producer in the Sub-Saharan Africa, contributed about 7% of its GDP through gold mining in 2023, producing approximately 4 million ounces. However, the sector has left a trail of environmental degradation, human rights violations, and unaddressed grievances, especially in regions like Newmont Ahafo and Shaanxi in the Upper East.

Mining operations have resulted in serious abuses, from forced evictions and injuries to fatalities,” said Richard Adjei-Poku, Executive Director of Livelihood and Environment Ghana. “In Newmont Ahafo alone, 16 lives were lost due to operations, and in the Upper East region, over 60 lives have been claimed. It is time to rethink how we value human life against corporate profits.” Mr. Adjei called for a paradigm shift where mining operations enhance sustainable livelihoods, environmental sustainability and respect human rights.

One victim, Godfred Dongu

One victim, Godfred Dongu from Bolga, shared his harrowing experience: “I lost my arm while working underground. Despite promises of compensation and support, the company has failed to provide the artificial arm they pledged. As a breadwinner, this has left me and my family in a dire situation.”

Dr. Frank Baffour-Ata, a lecturer at KNUST 

The study, conducted under the “Fair for All” project and supported by Oxfam Novib, revealed gaps in legal enforcement and community awareness about existing regulations. Dr. Frank Baffour-Ata, a lecturer at KNUST and lead researcher, highlighted: “Many mining communities are unaware of their rights or redress mechanisms. Strengthening awareness and enforcing regulations are critical steps forward.”

Jonathan Goka of CASA Initiative Ghana

Jonathan Goka of CASA Initiative Ghana a participant at the program stressed the need for continuous engagement: “Education and law enforcement are essential. Communities must understand the processes more to seek redress, and stakeholders must prioritize the environment over short-term economic gains.”

The report includes policy recommendations and calls for strengthened law enforcement, better compensation mechanisms, and enhanced community awareness to ensure sustainable and equitable mining practices.

The findings and stories shared during the launch underscore the urgent need for action to address the human and environmental costs of Ghana’s gold mining industry.

Reported by Azaglo Michael .