Land Use Challenges in Mining Communities – The Case of Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality

Theresa Y. Baah-Ennumh,Gifty Adom-Asamoah

doi:10.13189/eer.2019.070304

Theresa Y. Baah-Ennumh, Gifty Adom-Asamoah

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.13189/eer.2019.070304

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Abstract

Mining and its related activities usually attract people to host communities. High population and intense mining activities pose numerous challenges to land use management. The study examined the planning responses to the land use challenges in mining communities in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of Ghana. The case study research approach was used to address the research objectives. The study covered the Tarkwa township and its peripheral communities, such as Nsuta, Tamso, New Atuabo and Abonteakoon (Akoon), which were purposively selected. The paper reveals that mining in the Municipality has resulted in increased population without corresponding infrastructure and related services. Due to the intense nature of mining activities coupled with increased population, there has been strong competition over available lands which have resulted in changing land uses outside formal planning schemes, encroachments, and building in waterways and wetlands. The study recommends among others, an effective collaboration between the traditional leaders and city authorities to clearly define the mandate of each stakeholder within the urban land market. There is also a need to build institutional capacity and contextualize planning ideals as key for managing rapidly growing mining towns in emerging economies.

Highlights

Mining activities are very significant, in terms of the number of people employed and its economic contributions
Vehicles that are parked in unauthorized spaces are clamped and this attracts a fine of GH¢60.00 for the first day and GH¢150.00 per day for subsequent days. Though these attempts are not aimed directly at responding to mining issues, we argue that these are very important in addressing the land use and management challenges created indirectly by the mining activities in the communities
The study was aimed at examining the planning responses to land use challenges and management practices in mining communities in Ghana, taking the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality as a case study

Summary

Introduction

Mining activities are very significant, in terms of the number of people employed and its economic contributions. The nature of mining activities and the land use challenges associated with it are usually not well translated into public policy and development interventions. The negative impact of mining, such as land degradation, excessive use of dangerous chemicals, air and water pollution, deforestation, poor health and safety and child labour are not systemically addressed to minimize the negative impact. Many poor people in developing countries consider the mining sector as an area of opportunity to reduce or even eradicate poverty (Avirgan et al, 2005). Many people in search of better economic prospects migrate to mining communities. The high population in mine host communities has serious adverse effects on the environment and present several land use challenges and adherence to planning standards

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