ActionAid boss John Nkaw pushes govt to restore community power in mining

ActionAid Ghana Country Director John Nkaw has delivered a strong call to government to stop leaving mining-affected communities on the margins of decisions concerning Ghana’s mineral resources.

Mr. Nkaw wants government to revisit and operationalise the district mining committees prescribed by law, insisting that communities must have a meaningful voice in how the mining sector is managed.

Speaking at the launch of ActionAid Ghana’s Uplifting the Voices of Mining Communities (VOICES) Project in Kumasi, he argued that those living with the consequences of mining cannot continue to be treated as passive observers.

“We call on government to revisit the establishment and operationalisation of the district mining committees as prescribed by law in order to involve communities in the management of the mining sector,” he said.

Mining cannot be all about gold and revenue

Mr. Nkaw warned against reducing Ghana’s mining conversation to gold production, exports and government revenue while communities contend with the consequences of mining.

He cited concerns over degraded land, polluted water bodies, disrupted livelihoods, displacement, labour and human-rights issues.

He said the people whose lands and water resources are directly affected by mining must be recognised as rights-holders and key stakeholders in mineral governance.

Strong message to mining companies
Mr. Nkaw also turned his attention to the Ghana Chamber of Mines, urging it to support government’s efforts to integrate mining companies into local economies through the mining procurement list.

He said stronger local participation in the mining value chain would create opportunities for Ghanaian businesses and help break what he described as the “enclave nature” of mining in Ghana.

The 24-month VOICES Project, funded by Comic Relief, will operate in selected mining communities in Ghana, Malawi and Senegal. In Ghana, it covers Mfantseman, Ahafo Ano South, Asutifi North and Talensi.

The project will strengthen community monitoring, evidence gathering, advocacy and participation in mineral governance, while building the capacity of women and young people.

Mr. Nkaw said the objective is to ensure that mining communities do not merely hear about decisions affecting them, but have the knowledge, platforms and power to influence those decisions.