Gold mining in Ghana's forest reserves: a report on the current debate |
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Authors: | Gavin Hilson Frank Nyame |
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Affiliation: | Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM), School of Environment and Development, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9QH Email:; Department of Geology, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 25, Accra, Ghana |
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Abstract: | This paper examines the debate surrounding a recent decision made by the Ghanaian government to permit gold exploration – and potentially, mining – in 'protected' forest reserves. In 2001, four mining companies were awarded mineral exploration concessions in forested regions of the country, and have since put forward applications to mine for gold. Notwithstanding the sharp divide in opinion on the issue, the continued uncertainty surrounding the implications of the proposed activities makes further research on the ground imperative in the short term. Work aiming to elicit indigenous perspectives on the projects, as well as research that facilitates dialogue between and/or among stakeholder parties, should be prioritized. |
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Keywords: | Ghana forest reserves gold mining environmental community |
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