A media workshop on human rights and mining governance has brought together journalists, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups to discuss the impact of large-scale mining operations on affected communities. Organized by the Centre for Public Interest Law (CEPIL) in partnership with Wacam, Oxfam in Ghana, and other stakeholders, the event focused on the Ahafo and Akyem mining projects operated by Newmont Ghana Gold Limited.
The workshop featured the screening of a documentary capturing community perspectives on human rights violations, governance challenges, and environmental degradation caused by mining activities. It also included experience-sharing sessions with journalists covering the extractive sector, interactive discussions, and strategies for strengthening media advocacy on responsible mining.
History of Human Rights Violations in Mining
Delivering a presentation on the history of human rights violations in Ghana’s mining sector, Mrs. Hannah Owusu-Koranteng, Associate Executive Director of Wacam, highlighted the long-standing issues of land dispossession, coercion, and environmental destruction by multinational mining companies.
“Human rights violations in mining are not new—they have persisted for decades. Companies continue to coerce people into giving up their lands while promising development that never fully materializes,” she stated.
She further revealed that Ghana ranks third globally in forest cover loss due to mining and environmental factors. “Over 50,000 lands have been lost, and in the past five years, mining activities have only deepened poverty in affected areas,” she noted.
Encouraging journalists to be relentless in their coverage, she cited Wacam’s journey as an advocacy group. “When we started, they called us a ‘husband-and-wife company.’ Today, we are present in over 108 communities across eight regions, making an impact. You, too, can drive change.”
Ensuring Corporate Accountability in the Mining Sector
Augustine Niber, Executive Director of CEPIL, emphasizing the need for stronger governance and corporate accountability in Ghana’s mining industry.
“These multinational companies are not charitable organizations. They are here to make a profit, and if left unchecked, they will prioritize profit over people’s well-being,” he remarked.
He called on the government, state institutions, and the media to take a stronger stance in ensuring mining companies adhere to human rights standards and environmental regulations.
“What we do with our natural resources matters. If managed well, they can drive sustainable development. If mismanaged, they will only deepen inequalities,” he added.
Mining’s Economic Impact vs. Community Challenges
Gold mining remains a key contributor to Ghana’s economy, generating $6.38 billion in foreign exchange earnings in 2022 and accounting for 3.9% of GDP. However, mining communities continue to grapple with water contamination, land displacement, and deforestation, leading to worsening socio-economic conditions.
Despite existing regulatory frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)—which mandate businesses to avoid human rights violations—many mining communities still face disruptions to agriculture, inadequate compensation, and limited access to basic social amenities like clean water, healthcare, and education.
Strengthening Media’s Role in Mining Advocacy
The workshop aimed to equip journalists with the tools and knowledge to enhance their reporting on human rights and governance in the extractive sector. Participants, drawn from print, broadcast, and digital media houses, discussed strategies to:
Amplify the voices of affected communities through investigative journalism.
Promote transparency and accountability in Ghana’s mining sector.
Encourage responsible mining practices that balance economic growth with human rights protection.
Strengthen collaborations between journalists and civil society organizations to push for policy reforms.
By the end of the workshop, participants agreed that sustained media engagement is crucial in holding mining companies and government agencies accountable. Journalists were urged to continue exposing injustices and advocating for policies that ensure mining benefits both the economy and the people living in resource-rich communities.
