ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: INSIGHTS FROM MINING COMMUNITIES IN GHANA

Abstract

The object of this paper is to ascertain the level of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) compliance of mining companies in selected mining communities in Ghana. Over the past three decades, Ghana has demonstrated considerable commitment to the conservation and management of bio-physical and socio-cultural environment. Laws and regulations have been enacted to monitor and ensure compliance for sound environmental management by mining companies. Contextually, this paper examines how communities affected by large-scale mining perceive EIA compliance and their expected role in the design and implementation of the process. The paper opines that despite the excellent environmental regulations in place, the level of enforcement and compliance has not been satisfactory. This is partly due to the neglect of priority issues affecting local communities during the processes of EIA. A higher commitment to the involvement of all stakeholders, particularly the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in environmental decision making in mining communities is highly recommended.