THE EVOLVING PARADIGM OF COMMUNITY MINING SCHEMES IN GHANA: PROSPECTS AND LESSONS FOR OTHER MINING JURISDICTIONS IN AFRICA

Abstract

Context and background: Globally, Ghana is one of the major mining jurisdictions that has rolled out community mining schemes in response to curbing illegal small-scale mining. However, knowledge about the emerging paradigms in terms of their capacity, operations, and contribution (COC) is very opaque. Again, not much is known of the scheme’s efforts towards inclusiveness, responsible and sustainable mining (IRS) in the quest of bringing to an end the long-standing problem of illegal small-scale mining. Little is also known about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the scheme. The scheme is intended to provide livelihoods for members of the mining communities, promote sustainable and responsible mining, and stop the problem of illegal mining. Goal and Objectives: The paper examined the COC-IRS-SWOT dynamics of selected community mining schemes in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to determine the suitability of the schemes for scale-up within mining communities in Ghana. Methodology: This research case studied seven community mining schemes in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, site observations and validations were employed in data collection for triangulation purposes. COC-IRS-SWOT assessment and analysis were also carried out on the selected community mining schemes. Results: The study found that community mining schemes have the capacity and potential for employing several thousands of small-scale illegal miners in the country with better working conditions, and benefits. Job creation, reduction in land, and environmental degradation are some contributions and strengths of the scheme towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Conclusion and Recommendation: Based on the COC-IRS-SWOT assessment, the paper concludes that the scheme offers a good model for replication in mining communities in Ghana and other mining jurisdictions in Africa towards reducing illegal small-scale mining, and environmental degradation for sustainable development in Africa.

Keywords

• Community mining, Illegal mining, Capacity, Operation, Contribution, Sustainable, SWOT