A multi-stakeholder forum held in Sunyani, Ahafo Region under the Oxfam in Ghana Fair Finance Project has heard a report detailing widespread environmental and human rights abuses linked to Newmont Ghana Gold Limited’s operations in its Ahafo North and Akyem concessions.
The event, which took place on Friday, June 26, was organised by Wacam, the Centre for Public Interest Law (CEPIL) and Oxfam in Ghana. It brought together regulatory institutions, civil society, traditional authorities, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and mining-affected communities in the Ahafo Region to strengthen human rights and governance in mining communities.
The forum aimed to present key findings from the assessment and foster dialogue on actionable measures to promote accountability, strengthen governance and demand responsible mining practices.
*Presenting the Findings*
Presenting the findings conducted in 2024–2025, the lead researcher, Dr. Samuel Obiri, painted a stark picture of the challenges faced by residents in communities including Terchire, Yamfo, Susuanso and Adrobaa in the Newmont Ahafo North Project Area, and Yaw Tano, New Abirem, Hweakwae, Afosu, and Ntronang in the Newmont Akyem Project Area.
The study revealed that 88 per cent of respondents in Ahafo North and 92 per cent in Akyem had lost their lands to Newmont’s operations. Over 57 per cent of affected residents in Ahafo North had not received any compensation, while others reported delays of more than four months.
The report also found that 85 per cent of respondents in Ahafo North and 89 per cent in Akyem said the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principle was violated, with community members coerced or intimidated into giving up their lands. In the Akyem area, most respondents reported being informed by company officials or local chiefs that their land contained a gold belt and that the government had already granted Newmont a permit to mine the area. In Ahafo North, about 80 respondents said their lands were taken over through compulsory acquisition after they rejected compensation offers.
Between 60 and 75 per cent of the respondents reported being unable to freely associate or express opinions due to intimidation, while military and police personnel deployed to the communities were reported to have harassed, arbitrarily arrested and detained residents.
Women and persons with disabilities were disproportionately affected, with 69.6 per cent of women respondents stating the mine had negatively impacted their economic activities. The report concluded that residents in the study areas, especially in Newmont Ahafo North, have been subjected to “modern-day slavery” by Newmont and its assigns and that the company’s land acquisition processes are not consistent with applicable provisions governing the sector.
“The report revealed widespread human rights abuses, shrinking civic space and inadequate and unfair compensation payments. Many residents in communities within Newmont Ahafo and Akyem projects’ operational areas have been adversely impacted by the company’s land acquisition processes,” Dr. Obiri stated.
However, Dr. Obiri told the participants that despite several attempts, Newmont did not respond to the research team’s queries.
Participants’ Concerns and Recommendations
Participants at the forum questioned whether residents can legally refuse mining companies access to their land. They were told yes, but only if communities are well-informed and ready to assert those rights through the right legal and institutional channels.
A recurring concern was that regulators often depend on information from mining companies without enough verification on the ground. To fix this, participants urged more community consultations, regular field visits, and stronger engagement with local regulators so future reports reflect real conditions, not just paper assessments.
The study recommended a revision of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), to address compulsory acquisition issues, and urged Newmont to ensure informed consent for all affected persons. It also called on mining sector regulators to enforce strict compliance with Article 20(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, Section 74(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, and Regulation 3(b) of LI 2175 of 2012, which mandate prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation.
Additionally, the report recommended legislation to protect civil society organisations working in mining communities, regular stakeholder dialogues with traditional authorities as mediators, and the establishment of community advocacy groups to check violent confrontations in mining areas.
Communities were also advised to consult traditional authorities early to confirm rightful ownership before any land is acquired, a step participants said would reduce disputes and ensure fair compensation.
On health, stakeholders stressed the need for continuous public education on both land rights and the health implications of mining. They also asked consultants to be more patient and inclusive when sharing findings with government officials, noting that clearer, more participatory reporting would lead to better decisions.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Executive Director of CEPIL, Mr Augustine Niber, emphasised the need for the country to do more to address the environmental and human rights concerns associated with mining activities.
Forum Conclusion
The forum concluded with copies of the report given to the participants call for immediate action to address the systemic violations documented in the report, with stakeholders demanding that government, regulators and Newmont take concrete steps to respect and protect the fundamental human rights of residents in mining communities.
