Paper short abstract:

Although gold mining contributes greatly to the Ghanaian economy, there are many grievances perceived by local communities. By using the Environmental Justice framework, I will evaluate the distributive, procedural, recognition and participatory injustices associated with AngloGold Ashanti's mine.

Paper long abstract:

Since the revitalization of the mining sector in Ghana as part of the Economic Recovery Program in 1987, Ghana witnessed a tremendous boom in the level of production, economic growth, the increase of foreign direct investment, and the increase in formal employment. However, as a result of privatization and deregulation, many nearby mining communities, most of which rely on farming as a form of livelihood, have been affected by the negative environmental impact of large-scale mining, particularly large-scale gold mining. Without a rigorous state regulatory framework to enforce corporate accountability on issues such as resettling communities for mining purposes, proper compensation for environmental catastrophes and pollution and decommissioning procedures, many farming communities near the mines have inherited the negative environmental externalities of mining whilst receiving little of the positive benefits such as employment.

Based on fieldwork conducted in the three mining communities of Nhyiaeso, Kokotenten, and Dokyiwaa situated near the AngloGold Ashanti mine in Obuasi, I will evaluate the impact of large-scale gold mining on local communities from the Environmental Justice theory. Using Environmental Justice as an extension of the theory of communitarian justice, I will explore the distributive, procedural, recognition-based, and participatory aspects of justice and injustice. I will also analyze how people in these communities, affected by mining, frame their perceived grievances and exclusion from the benefits of gold mining.

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