Mining-induced displacement and resettlement policies and local people’s livelihoods in Ghana

ABSTRACT

The mining industry is often associated with decisions that have huge social significance. Using the example of the AGL mining company and the Damang community in Ghana, this study sought to assess the extent of adherence to government policies as well as the implications of resettlement on the livelihood dynamics of the affected communities. The paper argues that the existing policies create a new type of poverty by widening the poverty gap. Furthermore, the actual practice adopted for the computation and payment of both land and cash compensation clearly seems to be in violation of the principle of fair compensation.

KEYWORDS:

• Conflict and reconstruction – forced displacement
• Governance and public policy
• Labour and livelihoods

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The exchange rate for the dollar in 1995 was US$1.3726 to GHC 1, and in 2016 it was US$4.26 to GHC 1.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Portia Oware Twerefoo

Portia Oware Twerefoo is a doctoral student at the Department of Public Administration and Management, University of South Africa.