Incidences of human rights violations and practice of the voluntary principles on security and human rights in selected mining communities in Ghana

Asaah Sumaila Mohammed; Osumanu Issaka Kanton; Clement Adamba

doi:10.36005/jplm.v2i2.56

Authors

Asaah Sumaila Mohammed CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Science
Osumanu Issaka Kanton SD Dombo University for Business and Integrated Development Studies
Clement Adamba University of Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36005/jplm.v2i2.56

Keywords:

Voluntary Principles, Security, Human Rights Violation, Ghana Mining Sector

Abstract

The paper examined the implementation of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) in Ghana's extractive sector from the perspective of three selected resource-endowed host communities. An exploratory design involving the use of stakeholder analysis in sequential phases was used for this study. Transect walks, in-depth interviews and community-based focus group discussions were the techniques employed in the data collection. The results indicated that there is a general lack of awareness of the VPSHR by most stakeholders, especially at the local level. Even though some mining companies have signed onto the voluntary principles, implementation and adherence are not adequate because there is no community participation in any risk assessment and mitigation strategies developed by mining companies thereby resulting in a lack of trust in the process. The paper concludes that there is a general lack of knowledge of the VPSHR and an absence of mechanisms to demand social accountability which presents a challenge to adherence and achievement of desired outcomes. This calls for efforts to be made to improve the capacity of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and national-level VPSHR implementing agencies and departments.

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Author Biographies

Asaah Sumaila Mohammed, CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Science

Senior Lecturer; Department of Environmental Science

Osumanu Issaka Kanton, SD Dombo University for Business and Integrated Development Studies

Associate Professor; Department of Environment and Resource Studies

Clement Adamba, University of Ghana

Lecturer; School of Education and Leadership

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