Incidences of human rights violations and practice of the voluntary principles on security and human rights in selected mining communities in Ghana

Abstract

The paper examined the implementation of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) in Ghana's extractive sector from the perspective of three selected resource-endowed host communities. An exploratory design involving the use of stakeholder analysis in sequential phases was used for this study. Transect walks, in-depth interviews and community-based focus group discussions were the techniques employed in the data collection. The results indicated that there is a general lack of awareness of the VPSHR by most stakeholders, especially at the local level. Even though some mining companies have signed onto the voluntary principles, implementation and adherence are not adequate because there is no community participation in any risk assessment and mitigation strategies developed by mining companies thereby resulting in a lack of trust in the process. The paper concludes that there is a general lack of knowledge of the VPSHR and an absence of mechanisms to demand social accountability which presents a challenge to adherence and achievement of desired outcomes. This calls for efforts to be made to improve the capacity of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and national-level VPSHR implementing agencies and departments.