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Role of public participation in achieving development agenda
of developing countries: The case of communities affected by
surface mining of gold in the Asutifi district of the Brong
Ahafo region of Ghana
Jones Lewis Arthur
Department of Commercial Studies, P. O. Box 206, Sunyani
Polytechnic, Sunyani, Ghana. E -mail:
jonesarthur2002@yahoo.co.uk,
jonesarthur2002@gmail.com.
Accepted 24 September, 2009 |
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The cumulative
evidence of increasing human vulnerability to environmental
change calls for a significant policy response and action on
several fronts. At least since the 1960s, when environmental
politics became institutionalised within western developed
countries, scientists, interest groups, the media and local
protests have been significant in shaping the development
definition and resolution of environmental issues. Of
recent, there has been a shift in focus of environmental
policies from centralization to decentralization. The onset
of conditions that give rise to threats and vulnerability
can often be gradual or inconspicuous. The paper examines
the transition period in participatory environmental
governance in Ghana with a focus on surface mining of gold
and the extent of the involvement of the affected
communities in mining. Particular reference was drawn from
the experience of communities in the Asutifi district where
surface mining of gold is on a progressive ascendancy. Field
data as well as available literature were reviewed. It was
resolved that there are various levels of consultancy and
public participation in the operations of Newmont Ghana Gold
Limited (NGGL) in the Asutifi district. Communities are
violently reacting to inefficient participation as a result
of the ‘masses’ being considered as inappropriate for
‘insider’ roles in mining. More so, the findings proved that
Ghana has gradually moved from a state of near stifling of
community participation to the phase where it makes affected
communities key participants in the achievement of social
and economic development. Public participation is a key to
socio-economic development and effective environmental
growth. Mining companies should realise and work with
communities and note that the protection of the environment
would not necessarily bring economic cost. The government
should also empower and mandate communities, whilst their
resources are being used for wealth generation, to negotiate
their benefits and challenges with mining companies. Mining
companies should also desist from the idea of using
intimidation and legal frameworks to restrict community
empowerment and desire to fight for their share of the
economic ‘cake’.
Key words:
Public participation, decentralization, transitions, mining,
environmental protection. |
