Paper short abstract:

This paper explores a specific example of political contention between collective societal actors, transnational actors and the state in the context of local rights-based struggles against the adverse impact of gold mining by transnational corporations on local communities in Ghana.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores a specific example of political contention between collective societal actors, transnational actors and the state. In the context of violations of basic human rights by transnational gold mining corporations in rural areas of Ghana, it examines how a small community-based organisation, the Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining (WACAM), approached the situation of huge power asymmetry between itself and transnational mining giants supported by the Ghanaian state. It investigates how WACAM not only mobilised local community resistance but also developed national and international linkages with like-minded organisations in order to challenge the mining corporations and to contest state policies. Findings highlight WACAM's success, with mining corporations no longer able to simply violate human rights with impunity and the government of Ghana no longer able to ignore criticisms of the adverse impact of mining, while it is also recognised that the extractive-led model of economic growth remains intact. In accounting for WACAM's remarkable achievements, explanations focus on how a small NGO has maximised the opportunities of alliance building with like-minded national and international organisations, as well as minimised the risks in doing so by staying locally grounded. Conclusions are two-fold. First, the solidarity relationships involved in such 'local to global' interconnections are significant in strengthening the capacity of local organisations to contest rights violations and challenge powerful actors. Second, the example of WACAM emphasises the importance of an overtly political approach to rights advocacy, one embedded in progressive left politics.