Mining and Intra-Community Conflicts in Gbane in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region of Ghana

Abstract

This study explored the effects of mining on communal conflicts in Gbane in the Talensi Traditional Area of the Upper East Region in Ghana. The study employed qualitative research approach using purposive and snowball sampling methods to select the participants for the study. Data for the study was generated through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings revealed different forms of conflicts manifesting as a result of mining activities in the community. These conflicts involved different mining actors each with their interest and motivations. The conflicts include conflicts community against company conflict, small scale miners against large scale mining companies, a large mining company against another large company conflict. These mining related conflicts were found to evolve into intra-community conflicts in several ways with these old conflicts taking on new dimensions. Drivers of these conflicts range from inadequate consultation, trespassing into mining concessions, non-payment or delays in payment of compensation, and non-enforcement of mining laws. The resultant effect is a polarised community with a breakdown of cultural and social systems, leading to negative peace and stunted development. The study recommends that Mineral Commission and Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources should enforce the Ghana minerals and mining regulations to reduce conflicts over access to and control of land for mining. The role of chiefs and Tindanas in leasing land to prospective miners should strictly be enforced by the Minerals Commission.