Analysis of livelihood issues in resettlement mining communities in Ghana

Abstract

Recognition of the importance of land access in mining resettlement communities in the context of sustainable development discourse in many African countries has not necessarily been translated into practice. This paper describes the livelihood challenges and sustainable development implications of a mining-induced resettlement programme in Ghana within the framework of dualist land tenure regime. Using household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, findings indicate that the mining-induced resettlement projects triggered precarious living conditions for affected populations. Affected communities are faced with unanticipated economic hardships: high food prices, water and electricity bills, exposure to various illnesses, and loss of farmlands. Institutions and laws on land access and use in Ghana also marginalise the vulnerable, entrench inequality, and undermine efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly goal 1 targets 4 and 5. The paper proposes a rethink of Ghana's land tenure regime, which appropriates all mineral rich lands to the government, as a necessity if any meaningful progress is to be made towards achieving the SDGs.