CEO Of Mines Calls For National Debate Over Utilisation Of Mineral Resources To Reduce Conflicts

Most conflicts are generated in mining communities because the people believe they have been cheated in the distribution of social services and infrastructure such as roads, medical facilities, and shelter. Lack of transparency and adequate consultations between mining companies and the local communities over the operations of mining have also accounted for the frequent outbreak of law and order. It is for these reasons that the Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr Tony Aubynn is calling for national debate over the utilization of mineral resources to reduce conflicts in mining areas. According to him, research indicates that only five percent of revenue generated from mining areas is invested in the localities while the rest is spent in Accra. Dr Aubynn said the situation is different in other mining countries such as Brazil where over 60 percent mineral revenue accrued goes back to the communities to make life better and meaningful. The Chief Executive was speaking at a joint stakeholder forum to discuss a research findings on, Conflict Prevention and Peace Building in Mining Communities; an assessment of conflicts and risks triggers in extractive communities in Ghana in Kumasi. The research was conducted by the Centre for African Elections Media Monitoring Index, CAEMMI and supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. The research covered some selected mining areas in Ashanti, and Northern Regions. Dr Aubynn therefore called on government to always engage the people and stop raising their expectations and only to be disappointed at the end of the day. An official at the Minerals Commission George Ahadzie admits that while mining generates revenue, it has also been the source of communal violence leading to the lost of lives and property. He disclosed that last year, over 35 reported cases of conflicts were recorded in mining communities out of which 18 were from the Western Region while 16 came from Ashanti. Mr. Ahadzie said some of the cases were settled amicably while others are still pending in courts. The Executive Director of CAEMMI Dr Messan Mawugbe said the findings revealed there are strong conflict triggers linked to illegal mining in the northern, Upper East and Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Eastern and Western Regions. The causes are traced to who has the legitimate right to mine, complete neglect of local communities in disbursing the resources and failure by companies to recruit employees from their areas of operation. It was attended by chiefs, MPS and media practitioners.