Mining Company Versus Mining Companies

Ever since mining started in Ghana, the story of individuals who have suffered perniciously in the hands of mining companies have neither changed nor ever been solved. Mining companies in Ghana have a track record of reacting only to situations that disrupt with their interest, mostly by coercion. The people on the other hand have lost their trust in the State because the State has so far been defenceless of their rights but very supportive of the inhuman activities of mining companies.

It is for this reason that the forum organized on the 22nd of the June 2007, by the National Coalition on Mining at Techire meant a lot to the residents of those mining areas. The objectives of the forum was to express and offer solidarity to communities affected by mining and to use the occasion of the World Environment Day (June 5) to draw mining companies and state regulatory agencies' attention to the need to do more to protect and sustain the integrity of the environment.

This forum was particularly of great importance to the residents of mining areas because, for many, it was either the first or only opportunity for their story to be heard and the inhuman actions of mining companies to be exposed once again. Also many who attended, were very interested in the protection they had against mining companies in the law of Ghana, whether mining companies were justified by their actions and the law could bring them to justice.

UNFAIRLY TREATMENT

For instance, many victims who took the stand complained about mining companies unfairly treatment of them and forcibly evicting them from their homes and farms. Some of the victims had been inadequately or not compensated for their loss of land and means of livelihood. Those who had been relocated into resettlement areas complained about poverty and food insecurities. In all instances stated, the most vulnerable were women, children and the disabled. Women did not only suffer from the hand of mining companies but husbands pinching them of their shares of compensations paid to them by mining companies. All these instances stated and many more were very dominant in the mining but nothing has been done.

It is even more interesting to note that unlike the people of Techire who were very likely to be hearing this for the first time, mining companies and many state regulatory agencies in the mining areas, hand received a lot of affronts by the people, but nothing have been done to save the situation. Instead, the mining companies have become

That there have been instances where individuals have felt unprotected by some powerful human rights institutions like CHRAG, because the mining company took their instructions for granted.

MINING COMPANIES & THE STATE

In fact these examples of human rights abuses have gone on for so long that the residents in mining areas have had no option than to admit that the inhuman actions of mining companies are only so because the State allows it, that it may be even justified by the laws of Ghana. This perception of mining companies joining forces with the State has indeed ranged fear and the need for self defence by residence in most areas affected by mining.

The high rate of poverty in the resettlement areas has caused for survival by fair or foul means. Young people, who were promised but denied of employment benefits by mining companies, have now become recalcitrant to the community. Farmers, who were once considered as millionaires have been reduced to empty pockets. Women have been widowed and dreams of children, shattered due to death of husbands and fathers out of shock. Galamsey mining by the youth is on the increase, even though it is illegal and dangerous.

Indeed morning does not wait for the cock to crow, something has to be done before the situation gets out of hand. It is not too late for the state to intervene in the actions of human rights abuses in mining areas. A better point to start is to meet and educate the local people on their rights and on the limits of mining companies.

The State must collaborate with civil society organizations that have a credible track record in dealing with issues of mining companies verses mining communities.

This would provide them with enough insight of the problem and create an easier platform for communication with the

CONCLUSION

Civil society groups who are advocating for the rights of those affected by mining companies must not hesitate to share information on researches with the State so that their cause would be championed faster. It is indeed very pathetic to advocate for land reclamation and better treatment of the mining residence after mining company has liquidated. Mining of minerals may be good for the economic growth but nothing, not even minerals, are worth the life and comfort of a single human being.

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