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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Mining, conflicts and livelihood struggles in a dysfunctional policy environment: the case of Wassa West District, Ghana
Editor:Taabazuing, Joseph
Year:2012
Periodical:African Geographical Review (ISSN 1937-6812)
Volume:31
Issue:1
Pages:33-49
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:mining
livelihoods
mining policy
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19376812.2012.690089
Abstract:This paper explores the impact of mining on the everyday lives of people in the Wassa West District, Western Region, Ghana. It is based on an interpretative methodology involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews conducted in 2010, complemented with an analysis of policy documents. The results reveal an extensive geographic transformation of livelihoods at various scales as a result of the local people being displaced from their lands that have become contested economic spaces. Monetary compensation for farmers who have lost their lands to mining companies remains a contentious issue, with farmers reporting that they are always at the losing end of any contestation for land and compensation. Furthermore, the local public perception is that there is hardly any trickle down of mining benefits to the local communities to improve their lives. After more than two decades of operation of various minerals and mining laws, the findings of the study point to a conflicting and confused mining sector policy environment that disadvantages local communities. There is a need to revise the country's mining laws to reflect international best practices, to help make Ghana a sustainable mining investment destination in Africa, and to facilitate sustainable economic development in the country. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]
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