Lands and Mines Watch Ghana (LMWG) is set to undertake a field monitoring exercise in selected mining communities in the Ashanti and Western Regions to assess reclamation efforts and the impact of mining on local communities.
The monitoring exercise, scheduled for dates yet to be announced, will cover sites under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ land reclamation programme, including projects being undertaken by private mining companies and contractors engaged by the government.
According to LMWG, the exercise will assess the state of reclamation at active and mined-out sites, while engaging affected communities on the effects of mining on their lands, water bodies and livelihoods.
The organisation said the monitoring will focus on reclamation activities including backfilling, re-grading, topsoil replacement and revegetation, as well as compliance with reclamation plans, environmental permit conditions and reclamation bond commitments.
LMWG will also engage chiefs, assembly members, farmers, women’s groups and youth to document concerns relating to land use, water quality, compensation, resettlement and employment.
The organisation said it would further assess the impact of illegal mining on farmlands, forest reserves and water bodies in and around the selected communities.
The sites to be visited include reclamation projects by Newmont Ghana Limited at Manso Adubia and Manso Nyankumasi in the Amansie South District, Logiest Ghana Limited at Gyaaman Nkwanta, Zijin at Nkroful in the Ellembelle District, and AngloGold Ashanti in the Adansi area.
The monitoring team will also inspect government reclamation contracts involving K. Family Company Ltd at Sendu, Au Fields Company at Nkroful, Degroupe Ltd at Esase Ankra in Ankotombra, and Kpalua Company Limited and Namoro Properties, Construction and Automobile Limited at the Apamprama Forest Reserve.
LMWG said the private-sector projects cover about 2,400 acres (1,000 hectares), while a further 150 hectares (370 acres) are under government reclamation contracts.
The team, to be led by the Executive Director, Kwame Owusu Danso, will include the organisation’s legal, environmental and community engagement officers.
LMWG said the findings would inform its Quarterly Compliance Performance Index (QCPI), which benchmarks the compliance performance of mining operators.
The organisation said the findings would subsequently be compiled into a public report and shared with the Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Authority, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, relevant District Assemblies and the mining companies concerned.
LMWG has called on mining companies, traditional authorities, District Assemblies and community members in the selected areas to cooperate with the monitoring team.
