A multi-stakeholder forum held in Sunyani has recommended sweeping reforms to Ghana’s mining laws and compensation framework following the presentation of a damning report detailing widespread environmental and human rights abuses linked to Newmont Ghana Gold Limited’s operations.
The event, which took place on Friday, June 26, brought together community members, regulators and civil society organisations to review the findings of a comprehensive study on the impacts of the company’s Ahafo North and Akyem projects. The forum was organised by Wacam, the Centre for Public Interest Law (CEPIL) and Oxfam in Ghana under the Fair Finance Project.
It aimed at presenting key findings from a comprehensive assessment of the environmental and human rights effects associated with Newmont’s projects and to foster multi-stakeholder dialogue. The engagement also examined the feasibility of proposed interventions and discussed actionable measures that promote accountability, strengthen governance, and demand responsible mining practices.
The lead researcher for the 2024-2025 study titled “Assessing Environmental and Human Rights Effects of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited Ahafo North and Akyem,” Dr. Samuel Obiri, presented the findings to stakeholders.
His report painted a stark picture of the challenges faced by residents living within the company’s concessions, including Terchire, Yamfo, Susuanso, and Adrobaa in the Ahafo North Project area, and Yaw Tano, New Abirem, Hweakwae, Afosu, and Ntronang in the Akyem Project Area.
The study revealed that 88 per cent of respondents in Ahafo North and 92 per cent in Akyem reported losing their lands to Newmont’s operations, while over 57 per cent of affected residents in Ahafo North had not received any compensation. Many others reported delays of more than four months in receiving payment. The report also found that the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principle was violated, with 85 per cent of respondents in Ahafo North and 89 per cent in Akyem stating they were not properly consulted. Community members reported being coerced or intimidated into giving up their lands.
Between 60 and 75 per cent of respondents said they were unable to freely associate or express opinions due to intimidation, while military and police personnel deployed to the communities were reported to have harassed, arbitrarily arrested and detained residents. Women and persons with disabilities were disproportionately affected, with 69.6 per cent of women respondents stating the mine had negatively impacted their economic activities.
The report concluded that residents in the study areas, especially in Newmont Ahafo North, have been subjected to “modern-day slavery” by Newmont and its assigns. It further concluded that Newmont’s land acquisition processes are not consistent with applicable provisions governing the sector.
“The report revealed widespread human rights abuses, shrinking civic space, and inadequate and unfair compensation payments. Many residents in communities within Newmont Ahafo and Akyem projects’ operational areas have been adversely impacted by the company’s land acquisition processes,” Dr. Obiri stated during his presentation.
Dr. Obiri, however, told the participants that despite several attempts, Newmont did not respond to the research team’s queries.
Participants at the forum questioned whether residents can legally refuse mining companies access to their land. They were told yes, but only if communities are well-informed and ready to assert those rights through the right legal and institutional channels.
A recurring concern was that regulators often depend on information from mining companies without enough verification on the ground. To fix this, participants urged more community consultations, regular field visits, and stronger engagement with local regulators so future reports reflect real conditions, not just paper assessments. Land issues also featured prominently.
The study recommended a revision of the Minerals and Mining Act, Act 703 of 2006, to address issues of compulsory acquisition and ensure equitable benefit-sharing. It also urged Newmont to ensure informed consent for all project-affected persons and communities. Mining sector regulatory agencies were called upon to ensure Newmont complies strictly with all regulations, especially Article 20(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, Section 74(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, and Regulation 3(b) of LI 2175 of 2012, which mandate prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation.
Additionally, the report recommended legislation to protect civil society organisations working in mining communities, regular stakeholder dialogues with traditional authorities as mediators, and the establishment of community advocacy groups to check and control violent confrontations in mining areas.
Communities were also advised to consult traditional authorities early to confirm rightful ownership before any land is acquired, a step participants said would reduce disputes and ensure fair compensation.
On health, stakeholders stressed the need for continuous public education on both land rights and the health implications of mining. They also asked consultants to be more patient and inclusive when sharing findings with government officials, noting that clearer, more participatory reporting would lead to better decisions.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Executive Director of CEPIL, Mr Augustine Niber, emphasised the need for the country to do more to address the environmental and human rights concerns associated with mining activities.
The forum concluded with copies of the report given to participants, who called for immediate action to address the systemic violations documented in the report, with stakeholders demanding that government, regulators and Newmont take concrete steps to respect and protect the fundamental human rights of residents in mining communities.
