Wacam, CEPIL, and CEIA Condemn Destructive Effects of Surface Mining in Ghana

Wacam, the Centre for Public Interest Law (CEPIL), and the Centre for Environmental Impact Analysis (CEIA) have collectively raised concerns about the severe environmental and social impacts of surface mining operations in Ghana. In a joint statement, the three organizations highlighted key issues related to the mining boom, which they termed the “Third Jungle Boom.”

The groups, known for their long-standing advocacy in over 120 mining-affected communities, stressed the brutal impact of mining on both people and the environment. The statement detailed a range of problems including the pollution of rivers through cyanide spillages, illegal detentions, and economic displacements of local farming communities. These disruptions have been largely driven by weak mining laws and poor regulatory oversight, leaving affected communities vulnerable.

A study commissioned by Wacam and conducted by CEIA revealed alarming levels of toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead, polluting major waterbodies in Tarkwa and Obuasi, with similar findings in the Ahafo region where Newmont Ghana Gold Limited operates. The groups also reported that massive amounts of mine waste were discharged into River Subri, a vital drinking water source for millions, in two separate incidents involving Newmont Ghana.

According to the advocacy groups, local farmers, who traditionally relied on agriculture, are being pushed into dangerous and illegal small-scale mining due to inadequate compensation and the destruction of farmlands. This shift is exacerbating poverty in mining communities.

Wacam, CEPIL, and CEIA have called for urgent reforms to Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act of 2006 (Act 703), which they believe is too weak to hold mining companies accountable for environmental damage. They have also pointed to the problem of regulatory capture, where oversight bodies fail to enforce existing laws due to political connections within the mining sector.

The statement urged a non-partisan approach to tackle surface mining, including joint actions involving civil society, religious groups, traditional leaders, and the media. The groups also advocated for a moratorium on new mining licenses and a complete review of mining laws to introduce stronger environmental safeguards.

This call to action comes at a critical time as the destruction of forest reserves for mining is threatening both the environment and Ghana’s agricultural future, particularly the cocoa industry, which is crucial for the country’s economy.

Wacam’s Kwaku Afari, CEPIL’s Augustine Niber, and CEIA’s Dr. Samuel Obiri, who signed the statement, emphasized the need for decisive government action to protect Ghana’s natural resources from further destruction and to safeguard the rights of affected communities.