Power Dynamics In Ghana‟S Mining Industry: Exploring The Influence Of Multinational Mining Companies On The Fight Against Galamsey

Abstract

In Ghana, the extractive industry is vital in generating significant revenue. Nonetheless, the extractive industry has amounted to severe environmental hazards to the country‟s ecology. As a result, the state has developed diverse measures to contain the crisis and maintain the state‟s ecological integrity. However, these measures appear counter-productive due to biases in the mining industry regarding the fight against galamsey associated with the small-scale mining sector vis-à-vis the activities of the multinational mining companies in the industry. This study sought to investigate the intricacies and power relations within Ghana‟s mining industry. The study employed a qualitative approach and purposive sampling technique to select participants. Semi-structured interview protocols were used for the data collection, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected. The study revealed that existing laws and actions of the regulatory bodies and other stakeholders tend to favour multinational mining companies while impeding the growth of the small-scale mining sector. Also, unrestricted land acquisition by largescale mining companies and limited land availability demarcated for smallscale mining has resulted in rampant illegal activities in the industry. The study recommends that the state engage in inclusive consultations with key stakeholders to revise the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and develop alternative solutions for the effective regulation and growth of the small-scale sector. Additionally, the regulatory bodies should refrain from granting forest reserves to large-scale mining firms and influential individuals and provide adequate geo-scientific information on demarcated land areas for small-scale mining to discourage mining in restricted areas.