LEG pushes for amendments of Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2012

Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG), a Sunyani-based non-profit and non-governmental human rights and environmental organization, has put forward some policy proposals towards the amendment of the Minerals and Mining (Compensation and Resettlement) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2175).

With support from the Third World Network-Africa under the Power of Voices and Fair for All Project, LEG has met with political party representatives in the Asutifi North District in the Ahafo Region to solicit their inputs into the proposed amendments.

The proposed amendments, according to LEG, will benefit the government, the mineral right holder, particularly beneficiaries of compensation from mining induced displacement and resettlement.

Quality assurance
Besides, it will enhance the quality of the regulations and contribute towards reduced incidence of violence and social conflicts which is beneficial for the mineral right holder and both local and central government.

Speaking at the meeting at Kenyasi, the Executive Director of LEG, Mr. Richard Adjei-Poku, spoke against the one-term payment of compensation by mining companies to farmers and landowners, adding that the living conditions of most farmers who received one-term compensation from Newmont and other mining companies have worsened over the years.

Lifetime compensation
He advocated a lifetime compensation payment spread throughout the life of the mine, which he explained would be the best way out.

Mr. Adjei-Poku said even though mining is supposed to improve the living conditions of people, not much can be said about mining communities in Ghana and most African countries and called for equitable share of development in all mining areas.

He also advised farmers not to rush into accepting any offer by mining companies as compensation payment but engage the services of experts to ensure a win-win negotiation of a fair and adequate amount of compensation to be paid.

LEG is registered as a national research and advocacy not-for-profit and non-governmental organization operating in 46 communities in seven administrative regions of Ghana namely, Bono, Ahafo, Western, Ashanti, Central, Eastern and Western North.

It seeks to promote environmental sustainability, community rights, sustainable livelihood, active citizenship and mineral governance and engages with policy makers, duty bearers and corporate organizations on issues around mineral governance and mineral policies, among others.