Surface mining regulations and environmental management practices in Ghana : A case study of Iduapriem gold mine

Abstract

Increasing surface mining activities in Ghana and particularly the advent of large multinational companies into the country in the last few decades has awakened the environmental awareness of the government and the people of Ghana. Consequently, the government of Ghana has put in place regulations by which the negative impacts of mining can be mitigated. The mineral sector contributes substantially to the economy of Ghana. However, there are serious misgivings about the environmental stewardship of mining companies. In the view of some people, the mining companies are doing more harm than good and the government's quest to attract foreign direct investment to enhance economic growth has made the environment a victim of circumstances. The negative impacts of surface mining operations include land degradation, air and water pollution, waste generation and ground vibration due to blasting. At Iduapriem Gold Mine, these impacts have led to a number of social upheavals. The company has introduced a proactive environmental programs to ensure that her operations are within safe environmental bounds. Some of these measures include the introduction of agro- forestry trial plots, recycling of used water and the rehabilitation of degraded lands among others. However, the question is "are they doing enough?" to ensure good environmental stewardship, there should be adequate regulatory provisions to provide the framework for environmental regulation and state institution responsible for monitoring the environment should be well resourced.