Talking mining in Ghana

Stakeholders from Ghana's artisanal mining communities will share their perspectives in discussions to identify how to improve the artisanal and small-scale mining sector in the country.

News, 19 January 2016
Eighteen-year-old Maame Esi Rose, who washes ore to help her and two younger siblings survive, will contribute to the artisanal and small-scale mining sector dialogue in Ghana (Photo: IIED)

Eighteen-year-old Maame Esi Rose, who washes ore to help her and two younger siblings survive, will contribute to the artisanal and small-scale mining sector dialogue in Ghana (Photo: IIED)

Ghanaian stakeholders in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) are gathering this week in Tarkwa to discuss how new collaborations and initiatives could create positive change in the sector.

The meetings, which are part of IIED's global programme of dialogues on ASM, is being convened by IIED's Ghanaian partner Friends of the Nation.

"Ghana was selected as the first dialogue country as it offers a real opportunity for positive change in country," says senior researcher Abbi Buxton, who leads IIED's ASM programme. "With a strong government committed to improving the ASM sector and an advanced small and large-scale mining sector, the lessons learned through this process will act as a guide to inspire and motivate dialogues in other countries."

Over the last few months, IIED, Friends of the Nation and a team of independent researchers have been working together to prepare for the dialogue, including briefing and engaging with stakeholders and identifying the local priorities and key issues in policy and practice. 

Ahead of the dialogue, Friends of the Nation have gathered stories from members of artisanal mining communities in Tarkwa-Nsuaem and produced a short film that gathers perspectives from Ghanaian stakeholders about the current state of play of the country's ASM sector. This can be viewed below and on IIED's YouTube channel.

Since 2007, Friends of the Nation has worked on research and advocacy on sustainable development in Ghana. Through their work they have engaged with and supported different stakeholders, including communities, NGOs, government and industry.

About IIED's global ASM dialogue programme

IIED's global programme of action dialogues for ASM supports national dialogues in ASM countries across the world. Our approach is to foster multi-stakeholder collaboration through dialogue which leads to better understanding, roles and relations between the key sector stakeholders.

In-country dialogues will look at challenges and solutions that are locally prioritised and support a formalised, rights-based artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) within a more inclusive and responsible mining sector.

IIED's role as the global convenor across the programme is to facilitate in-country learning and collaboration, and to influence and share findings in key international forums so international policymaking is informed by local realities.