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PART 2: Silencing Dissent and Calls for Reforms

Author: Daryl Bosu. Environmental Advocate

The President’s Contradictory Role in Environmental Stewardship

In his inaugural address into Office as President of the 4^th Republic of Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo pledged to protect Ghana’s environment, declaring that “we do not own the land, but hold it in trust for generations yet unborn.” This resonated with Ghanaians, who believed he would lead a responsible approach to resource management. However, the lack of progress on commitments from the 2021 National Consultative Dialogue suggests otherwise.

Despite promises to protect Ghana’s natural heritage, the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led administration has allowed the unregulated mining sector to thrive, effectively making the government the “chief activist” for the very destruction he vowed to prevent. The reality is that there has been little intention to act on these promises, as evidenced by political justifications to delay the fight against galamsey until after the 2024 elections. This inaction points to a troubling alignment between the government’s priorities and short-term political interests, with severe consequences for Ghana’s future.

Silencing Dissent and Rising Social Unrest

In 2017, President Nana Akufo-Addo encouraged Ghanaians to be “citizens, not spectators,” urging them to hold the government accountable. Yet, those who have voiced opposition to galamsey have been met with hostility and suppression. Public demonstrations against illegal mining are often stifled, with activists facing detainment and harassment, discouraging future dissent. The government’s actions contrast sharply with the President’s assurances that Ghana would be governed by “freedom and justice.”

The heavy-handed police response to citizen-led demonstrations by groups like Democracy Hub, along with the injustices during the arrest and detention of demonstrators, journalists as well as community environmental right defenders, serves as a stark testament to the government’s complicity. Communities have even seen police-assisted impositions of “community mining,” despite their vocal opposition. These acts of suppression reveal a government willing to sideline public welfare for profit, at the expense of citizens’ rights and freedoms.

Meanwhile, unchecked galamsey has created an atmosphere of social insecurity, stoking public anxiety over health risks as illegal mining continues to contaminate food and water systems. Mining hotspots have seen rising incidence of crime and the proliferation of arms, threatening the security of affected communities. The President’s stated vision of a peaceful and prosperous Ghana rings hollow for those living amidst the dangers posed by illegal mining.

A Failure to Translate Promises into Action

In his inaugural speech, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also praised the resolve of Ghana’s founding fathers, who sought to build a nation anchored in principles of justice and respect for all citizens. He highlighted J.B Danquah’s vision of government as a force for “the enrichment of life, property, and liberty.” Yet, his administration has failed to uphold these ideals, allowing environmental exploitation to proceed unchecked. The National Consultative Dialogue was a defining moment, presenting a roadmap for responsible governance of natural resources, but the lack of follow-through on its resolutions has reduced these promises to mere words. We now have on our hands, the most devastating environmental crisis

Holding Civil and State Officials Accountable for Negligence and Incompetence

The responsibility of tackling the galamsey crisis should not fall solely on the shoulders of the Executive, despite its significant power to appoint heads of key institutions. It is time to extend this accountability to the civil servants and appointed officials serving in crucial agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Water Resources Commission, Minerals Commission, Local Government Authority, and the Decentralized Police Command. Too often, these individuals have neglected their duty of care and responsibility to the public, instead choosing to collude with illegal actors, enabling the abuse of community rights and exposing citizens to further harm. This negligence has contributed to the unchecked rise of unprecedented impunity in the mining sector, ever in the history of Ghana.

It is high time that each appointed state official be held fully accountable for administrative negligence and incompetence, particularly when their inaction directly perpetuates illegal activities in their areas of oversight. These officials must bear the consequences of failing to fulfill their responsibilities. However, this should not absolve the Executive from its direct role when appointed officers fail to carry out their mandates effectively. We cannot continue in a society where responsibility is shifted solely to the Executive, while state officers, empowered with the capacity to exercise administrative discretion, remain free from accountability. The failure to hold appointed District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Police Officers accountable for the persistence of galamsey within their jurisdictions represents a critical oversight that must be rectified. Moving forward, it is imperative that accountability for administrative negligence in the fight against illegal mining be made a fundamental principle of governance. Incompetent or negligent officials must face strict consequences, including mandatory resignation, to ensure that those entrusted with public office fulfil their duties with the necessary competence and integrity. This policy should be enforced consistently to establish a culture of accountability and deter further complacency in the fight against galamsey.

Sustain Media and Civil Society Calls for Accountability

Despite the government’s failure to honor its environmental promises, the media and civil society must continue to advocate for accountability. Journalists and environmental advocates highlight the contradictions between the President’s statements and his administration’s actions, exposing the dire consequences of illegal mining. The media serves as a crucial counterpoint to government neglect, providing a platform for citizens demanding responsible management of Ghana’s resources.

Call for Just and Equitable Mineral Governance Reforms

The 2021 National Consultative Dialogue was a critical moment for Ghana’s environmental policy, representing a shared commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices. However, the government’s failure to honor these promises undermines its credibility and leaves citizens disappointed. As demands from Ghanaians in 2024 reveal, citizens are still waiting for the government to uphold its promises, reflecting widespread frustration with an administration seemingly complicit in environmental degradation.

The disparity between the 2021 commitments and the government’s current inaction speaks to a systemic disregard for the voices and well-being of Ghanaians. The government must urgently address the demands for a state of emergency on galamsey, halt mining in protected areas, enforce laws rigorously, and ensure that those who violate environmental laws face justice.

The ongoing disregard for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) within Ghana’s mining sector is an affront and a violation of community rights and one that threatens the very foundation of just and equitable mineral governance. Equally troubling is the state’s abuse of eminent domain, where the government compulsorily acquires community lands without adequate consultation or compensation, undermining local autonomy and violating the rights of Ghanaians who depend on their lands for their livelihoods and cultural heritage. These actions reflect a mining regime that prioritizes profit over people, favoring industry interests over the voices and well-being of affected communities.

To ensure justice, Ghana’s mineral governance must embody true public-centered reforms. Upholding Free Prior and Informed Consent, respecting community lands, and committing to sustainable practices are non-negotiable, as they are essential pillars for a fair and responsible mining policy.

Ghanaians deserve leaders who will honor these commitments and protect the country’s ecological and social prosperity into the future. The call for genuine reform is urgent and imperative to Ghana’ sustainable future. Anything less would betray the trust of the people and compromise the legacy we hold in trust for generations yet unborn.

In an inspiring initiative aimed at fostering sustainable practices in Northern Ghana, A Rocha Ghana recently partnered with the UK-based Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society to host a groundbreaking two-day workshop on equitable fire management.

The workshop which took place this month at Damongo in the Savannah Region, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, showcasing a collective commitment to addressing the complexities of fire management in the region.

Participants were drawn from government institutions, NGOs, academia, the private sector, traditional authorities, and local livelihood groups, all of whom share a vested interest in the intricate relationship between fire and landscape in Northern Ghana.

With a focus on participatory approaches, discussions revolved around the various types of landscape fires, their ecological roles, and the socio-economic factors influencing fire management practices.

Fire management

Fire management is more than just an environmental concern; it is vital for the preservation of unique ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities that depend on these landscapes. The rich biodiversity of Northern Ghana’s savannas and forests has evolved alongside naturally occurring fires, yet the increasing impact of human activity and climate change has disrupted these patterns. This workshop aimed to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific understanding of fire, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management strategies.

In a keynote address, Rahina Sidiki Alare, a PhD student at King’s College London whose research delves into fire governance within the Savannah landscapes highlighted a pressing issue—the disconnect between national fire policies and local burning practices.  According to her, “the way we manage fires in Northern Ghana has marginalized certain livelihoods, which could lead to more destructive fires.” “The workshop’s goal is to bridge this gap, ensuring fire management is effective and adaptable while being inclusive,” she added.

A Rocha Ghana’s Northern Sector Project Manager, Mr. Godwin Evenyo Dzekoto echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of integrating traditional fire knowledge with scientific methods. “The Savannah region needs fire for ecological balance,” he remarked, underlining the necessity for a collaborative approach that respects and utilizes indigenous practices alongside contemporary science.

Hands-on

A highlight of the workshop was the use of ‘rich pictures’—participatory drawings that allowed participants to express their perceptions of fire in their landscapes. This creative exercise not only facilitated dialogue but also illuminated the need to include marginalized voices, such as herders and hunters, in fire management strategies.

The artistic contributions from these sessions will soon take the form of a mural billboard, created by international artist Daniel Kweku Anetang, which will be mounted in the Savannah Region. This mural will serve as a lasting reminder of the collective effort to harmonize fire management practices.

Network for Sustainable Practices

Thanks to funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Impact Accelerator Award and the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society, the workshop concluded by establishing an inclusive network of fire management practitioners.

This network aims to spearhead future projects that promote sustainable fire practices, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the communities that rely on it.

As Northern Ghana navigates the complexities of fire management, efforts like this workshop stand as a beacon of hope—demonstrating that with collaboration and inclusivity, sustainable practices can thrive, ensuring a richer, more balanced ecosystem for generations to come.

In recent years, Ghana has not only emerged as a significant player in the global mining industry but has also ascended to the position of the number one producer of gold in Africa. While this development might appear to promise economic growth and increased foreign investment, the reality on the ground paints a far less optimistic picture. The unchecked expansion of both legal and illegal mining activities has wrought significant socio-economic and environmental havoc across the nation, calling into question the true benefits of Ghana’s burgeoning status as the mining hub of Africa. The evidence of the danger we face in working towards this goal is amply manifested in the current the state of our water bodies, forests, biodiversity, and the violations and abuses wrought on communities by mining actors.

Corruption and Illicit Financial Transactions

At the heart of the mining sector’s troubles lies pervasive corruption and illicit financial practices. The opaque processes governing the allocation of mining permits and concessions have become breeding grounds for underhanded dealings. These transactions often involve powerful elites who manipulate the system to their advantage, sidelining the interests of local communities and the nation at large. The result is a wealth disparity where the riches generated from mining do not benefit the broader population but rather a select few. This endemic corruption undermines public trust in governmental institutions and stifles genuine socio-economic development. If left unaddressed, this perception can tarnish the reputation of even those mining operations committed to respecting social and environmental safeguards.

Displacement of Agriculture and Unwholesome Food

One of the most profound impacts of unsustainable mining in Ghana is its displacement of agriculture, particularly cocoa farming, which has historically been a cornerstone of the country’s economy. The sub-surface rights to minerals and mining often take precedence over surface land rights, leading to the expropriation of fertile agricultural lands for mining activities. This not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of farmers but also threatens Ghana’s food security. Recent data indicates that Ghana’s cocoa yield has dropped significantly from close to 1 million tons to almost half its previous production trend. This shortfall is projected to lead to a shortage of cocoa products, adversely affecting local processing companies and resulting in job losses. There is also the risk to our entire food systems, with farmers returning to heavy metal-exposed abandoned mining sites to grow food crops for both subsistence and the market.

Environmental Degradation

Mining activities, especially when conducted irresponsibly, have devastating effects on the environment. The deforestation and destruction of critical forests and biodiversity ecosystems are particularly alarming. Forests and watersheds play essential roles in maintaining ecological balance and supporting life through the provision of clean air, water, and other ecosystem services. Their loss translates into long-term environmental degradation that impacts not just current residents but future generations as well. The pursuit of transition minerals, essential for low-emissions technologies, will come at the cost of Ghana’s rich natural heritage, with forests being razed and biodiversity irreparably damaged. The enactment of  Legislative Instrument 2462  to allow government access to protected critical biodiversity hotspots exemplifies this reckless approach in our quest to become a mining hub in Africa.

Water Pollution and Health Risks

Water pollution is another severe consequence of unsustainable mining practices in Ghana. The contamination of water bodies with heavy metals and other toxins poses grave health risks to local communities. Almost all the major rivers overlapping the rich mineral belts of Ghana are polluted, diverted, or dammed. Mining operations frequently lead to the discharge of harmful substances into rivers and streams, compromising water quality and rendering it unsafe for consumption and agriculture. This pollution has cascading effects, leading to a rise in waterborne diseases and negatively impacting food safety. The inability of water treatment and distribution companies to manage these contaminants further exacerbates the crisis, leaving many communities without access to safe drinking water. The documentary by Erastus Asare Donkor, “Poisoned for Gold,” is instructive if we truly prioritize the health and wellbeing of citizens.

Recent incidents have highlighted the health risks associated with exposure to contaminated food and water. Heavy metals such as mercury and lead, commonly found in mining runoff, accumulate in the food chain, affecting not only immediate consumers but also future generations. Chronic exposure to these toxins can lead to serious health conditions, including kidney problems caused by mercury, neurological disorders, and developmental issues in children, posing a significant public health challenge.

Impacts on Climate Mitigation Initiatives

The accelerated, unsustainable mining has significantly affected Ghana’s ability to achieve results under Ghana REDD+ initiatives, particularly the Ghana Cocoa Forests Emissions Reduction Program (GCFRP). This initiative, aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, has struggled to meet its objectives due to large scale deforestation and forest degradation in the ear-marked emissions reduction area, resulting from mining encroachment. The government’s active sponsorship of accelerated mining coupled with lapsed compliance and enforcement as well as the introduction of community mining, has resulted in the displacement of numerous non-mining related jobs and environmental goods and services, undermining efforts to promote non-consumptive utilisation of forest and environmental assets, combat climate change and protect biodiversity. It’s as if the assumption is that the mined gold can somehow replace the water, carbon sinks, and biodiversity that are being lost, which is a dangerously flawed notion fueled by greed.

Associated Community Rights Violations

Another critical issue associated with the increasing mining agenda is the blatant abuse of community and citizens’ rights to a healthy environment, sometimes with direct support from government actors. There has been a deliberate weakening of regulatory mechanisms that would ensure adherence to business and human rights principles. Respecting human rights in the extractive sector is further hampered by the absence of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) as a key governing policy and legal framework for concession allocation. Additionally, certain provisions in Ghana’s minerals and mining legal framework give precedence to mineral rights over surface rights, such as cultural, water services, and land use. This legal imbalance exacerbates community disempowerment and environmental injustice.

Socio-Economic Impacts

The socio-economic impacts of mining extend beyond environmental and health concerns. Mining communities often experience a decline in quality of life due to the influx of mining activities. Traditional livelihoods are disrupted, leading to unemployment and social instability. Additionally, the promised economic benefits of mining, such as job creation and infrastructure development, often fall short of expectations. Instead, these communities face with high cost of living and deteriorating living conditions, inadequate compensation, and a lack of meaningful development.

The Way Forward

Given these myriad challenges, it is clear that the current trajectory of Ghana’s mining sector is unsustainable and detrimental to the nation’s long-term prosperity. To mitigate these adverse effects, Ghana must adopt a more sustainable approach to mining. This should involve:

• Urgently reviewing the legal framework for mineral governance in Ghana to prioritize FPIC and grant communities the right to accept or reject mining activities.
• Implementing stringent regulation and oversight of mining activities, ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation of mining permits, and prioritizing the rights and needs of local communities, with a mandatory polluter-pay obligation for actors in the mining sector.
• Establishing an unambiguous legal framework setting boundaries, limitations, and no-go areas for mining in Ghana that prioritize the protection of water bodies and watersheds, forest reserves, biodiversity havens, and culturally sensitive areas. LI 2462 must be repealed with immediate effect.
• Adhering to and complying with existing legal frameworks on environmental impact assessments without political or elite capture and interference.
• Ensuring full compliance with the Minamata Convention to safeguard our environment against the unregulated use of mercury within our mining sector.
• Investing in sustainable agricultural practices and supporting farmers to enhance food security.
• Rehabilitating degraded mining sites and preserving forests and biodiversity to restore ecological balance.
• Addressing water pollution issues by enforcing the buffer zone regulatory policies and legal frameworks, while also embarking on an aggressive state led action to restore and protect our rivers and water bodies to guarantee citizens access to clean and safe water.

In conclusion, the quest to become the mining hub of Africa will not ensure our collective prosperity; instead, it will exacerbate climate risks, food insecurity, wealth inequalities, and environmental pollution and degradation. We need to rethink our approach and consider intergenerational equity, no matter how obsessed we are with mining. It is time for Ghana to strive towards a more balanced and sustainable future that benefits all its citizens, both now and for generations to come.

For inquiries, Contact:

Daryl Bosu

Email: [email protected]