Ghana Mining Expo Pushes for Community Mining Agreement
Dr. Steven Blessing Ackah, the executive director of the Ghana Mining Expo, has said, the global mining industry continues to evolve, hence it is crucial for Ghana, as a leading producer of gold, to drive the Community Mining Agreement (CMA)as a catalyst for sustainable development.
He explained that, the community mining agreements are collaborative frameworks established between mining companies and local communities to ensure that mining activities contribute positively to the overall development of the area.
According to him, the CMAs represent a progressive approach to balancing the interests of mining companies and local communities, with the primary goals of mitigating the environmental impacts, fostering community empowerment and sharing the benefits derived from mining operations.
In a statement, copied The Anchor, Dr. Ackah said, “Community Mining Agreements have paved the way for more inclusive and sustainable development.”
According to him, “As the global mining industry continues to evolve, it is expected that Ghana model yet to be initiated will serve as an inspiring example of how extraction can contribute to the holistic development of a nation, assess the extent to which current Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and mechanisms are meeting the promise of these policies.”
He mentioned that the experience of countries, like Chile and Bolivia, with CMAs, provides valuable lessons for Ghana, as their framework highlights the importance of collaboration, regulatory oversight and a commitment to sustainable development.
Below Is Published, the Full Statement from Dr. Steven Blessing Ackah:
Introduction
About a year ago, a groundbreaking cooperation aimed at fostering corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESGby the Ghana Gold Expo Foundation and Oxford University African Studies Centre was established. The cooperation was to organized the 1st Strategic Mining Workshop on CSR and Community Engagement, and Impact reporting. This corporation brought about how both institutions could measure the impacts of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Mining Sector, Investment Agreements between the government and the mining companies, and the use of royalty funds, encompassing the themes of stakeholder engagement under human rights jurisdiction.
The event brought together thought leaders, experts, and key stakeholders from the Ghana chamber of mines, the University of Mines and Technology, Western Regional Coordinating Council, the Minerals Development Fund, The Minerals Income Investment Fund, Mining Companies and the Traditional Council to DRIVE COMMUNITY MINING AGREEMENTS in Ghana, the pivotal role of CSR in the extractive industry, particularly in the context of Ghana’s rich gold resources and the Future critical Minerals like Lithium.
In recent years, the global mining industry has witnessed a shift towards sustainable and inclusive practices. One noteworthy initiative in this regard is the Community Mining Agreement (CMA), which aims to balance the interests of mining companies with the socio-economic development of local communities.
A key focus of this cooperation is the imperative need for Ghana to drive Community Mining Agreements (CMAs), a catalyst for sustainable development. And why this is crucial in fostering collaboration between mining companies and local communities.
Understanding Community Mining Agreements:
Community Mining Agreements are collaborative frameworks established between mining companies and local communities to ensure that mining activities contribute positively to the overall development of the area. The primary goals include mitigating environmental impacts, fostering community empowerment, and sharing the benefits derived from mining operations.
Ghana’s Mining Landscape:
Ghana, known for its rich mineral resources, including gold, has a long history of mining activities. The sector has played a crucial role in the country’s economy, but concerns about environmental degradation and social inequality prompted the introduction of Community Mining Agreements. In Ghana, the Corporate Social Responsibility impact assessment by major mining companies have their own policies that ensure the fulfilment and pledges through areas like;
- Education
- Governance
- Health
- Infrastructure Development (Roads, Housing, Lighting)
- Conservation and Sanitation
- Capacity Building
- Agriculture
However there seems to be no standardize and policy framework that permits mining companies as a benchmark, thus, the impact assessment is still very weak.
The mentioned areas are the development strategies that looks at how mining companies support their host communities at the end of every year. We have observed that most mining companies are gradually establishing community development fund to finance their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives and programs. For example: some mining companies, offer US$1 from each ounce of gold produced and other royalties that benefit the communities however distribution of wealth seem not to be transparent. This is why we envision that, the government should champion development of a national community Development agreement framework that revolve around the role of government in managing royalties, community initiative, reporting and impact assessment in host communities.
Key Components of Community Mining Agreement:
1.Environmental Stewardship: CMAs in Ghana should emphasize sustainable mining practices to minimize ecological impact. Companies are required to implement responsible mining techniques and adhere to environmental regulations.
2.Community Empowerment: The agreement should empower local communities by involving them in decision-making processes related to mining activities. This can involve training programs, employment opportunities, and capacity-building initiatives.
3.Revenue Sharing: One of the critical aspects of CMAs is the fair distribution of mining revenues. A predetermined percentage should be allocated to the community, contributing to local infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
4.Social Infrastructure Development: CMAs often include provisions for the establishment or improvement of social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and roads. This enhances the overall well-being of the community.
Challenges and Lessons Learned:
With Ghana being the number one producer of gold in Africa, the communities still don’t feel the impact in terms of development. With the discovery of critical minerals like Lithium the government must ensure a proper community development agreement. While Community Mining Agreements have shown promise, challenges persist. Ensuring transparency, effective communication, and continuous monitoring are essential to address issues like revenue mismanagement and environmental compliance.
Chile and Bolivia’s experience with CMAs provides valuable lessons for Ghana, their framework highlights the importance of collaboration, regulatory oversight, and a commitment to sustainable development.
A follow up visit with prof. miles currently the head of African studies at Florida University in a discussion with Ghana Gold expo Team and some local mining owners shared critical insights on mine companies’ practices. The transparent on Non financial reporting that the government of Ghana need to under study. A visit to Tarkwa and Nkroful to meet some of the stakeholders glimpsed the challenges faced by companies in meeting community expectations through CSR initiatives. The aim of the visit was to enhance understanding of the complex relationship between mining, wealth distribution, and local communities in Africa.
Conclusion:
Community Mining Agreements represent a progressive approach to balancing the interests of mining companies and local communities. Dr. Steven Blessing Ackah, Executive Director, Ghana Mining Expo in a statement “Community Mining Agreements have paved the way for more inclusive and sustainable development. As the global mining industry continues to evolve, it is expected that Ghana model yet to be initiated will serves as an inspiring example of how extraction can contribute to the holistic development of a nation, assess the extent to which current Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and mechanisms are meeting the promise of these policies.”
According to Mr.Ackah this cooperation with local and international Universities is very crucial and has come at the right time as mining activities are the bedrock of our society, a requisite for Ghana’s development and also the need to have the national framework on CSR impact and reporting in Host Communities. Professor Miles Larmer indicated that, plans are in place to provide certificate programmes on CSR and ESG for Mining companies under the future critical Minerals like Akosdwomo Mining Ltd and Atlantic Mining both lithium Mining Companies and other lithium companies in the future
Source: Anchorghana.com
