Hold Mining Companies Accountable for Human Rights Violations: Report.

Accra: A report on mining abuses in Ghana has called on the government to hold mining companies accountable for violations to address human rights abuses and improve the well-being of mining communities. The report urged policymakers to ensure strict enforcement of existing regulations and established regular monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure compliance.According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Frank Baffour Ata, Lecturer, Department of Environmental Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, made the call in Accra at the launch of a study report on 'Corporate Human Rights Abuses in Mining Communities in Ghana.' The report interviewed 631 respondents from seven regions in the mining communities using qualitative and quantitative methods. The report was under the Mutual Capacity Strengthening Project organised by the Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG) with support from Oxfam Novib.The aim of the report is to investigate and analyse the nature, extent, and impact of corporate hum an rights abuses in mining communities in Ghana. It urged the government to prioritise environmental protection by enforcing regulations that minimise environmental damage caused by mining. Additionally, the report urged mining companies to rehabilitate mined areas and adopt sustainable practices such as reforestation, water conservation, and pollution control to preserve the environment.Furthermore, the report called on civil society organisations to advocate for community rights, provide legal support, build community capacity, and monitor abuses in the mining industries. The report revealed that both large-scale and artisanal mining activities had contributed to forced displacement, loss of livelihoods, health issues, and gender disparities, among others. It also highlighted that residents often suffered from respiratory issues, skin diseases, and health complications caused by exposure to toxic substances.According to the report, many residents were compelled to leave their homes and lands to make way for mining operations without adequate compensation. Mr. Richard Adjei-Poku, Executive Director, LEG, said Ghana still led as Africa's largest producer of gold and ranks sixth in the world. In 2023, Ghana's gold production was four million ounces, contributing to seven per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product. Mr. Adjei-Poku called for a paradigm shift in the mining operations to promote local economic and sustainable livelihoods, enhance environmental sustainability, and respect communities' rights.Victims of human rights abuse in the mining communities have expressed their worrying concerns about their maltreatment and called on the authorities to come to their aid. They complained of assault, dismissal from work, and a shooting incident that had affected their health without compensation.