GJA President urges Ghana to weigh environmental and social costs alongside mining revenues

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called for a more comprehensive evaluation of the impacts of mining on Ghana, suggesting that the economic value of gold should not be the sole factor in decision-making. Mr. Dwumfour emphasized that considerations should extend beyond the economic benefits of mining to include the preservation of vital resources such as water, fertile land, and the health of ecosystems, as well as the well-being of local communities.

He argued that the consequences of environmental degradation could have far-reaching effects that go beyond the immediate financial gains generated by the mining industry. Addressing journalists at a National Mining Dialogue event, Mr. Dwumfour highlighted that behind the economic data related to mining are real people whose lives are intertwined with the land and natural resources being exploited.

He stressed that Ghana's mineral wealth, while significant, should not be viewed in isolation but rather in the context of the broader implications for the environment and communities. "Gold has economic value, but so does water, so does fertile land, so does a healthy environment," he stated. Mr. Dwumfour warned against the simplistic notion that environmental damage can be offset by financial compensation.

He pointed out that the restoration of polluted water sources, degraded land, and damaged ecosystems is often an intricate and costly process, and in some cases, may not be fully achievable. He underscored that once natural resources are severely compromised, repairing them is far from a straightforward financial calculation. The GJA President advocated for the responsible extraction of Ghana’s mineral resources, emphasizing that the goal should be sustainable economic benefit without compromising the natural systems upon which communities rely.

He framed the debate not as a choice between mining and environmental protection, but rather as an opportunity for responsible mining practices. Mr. Dwumfour also addressed the critical issue of community acceptance of mining operations, noting that legal approval is not sufficient to ensure the support of the host community. He emphasized that earning the social license to operate is a prerequisite for a mining company’s success and that this requires building trust with communities.

He stressed that companies must engage with residents, listen to their concerns, and demonstrate that their operations will not adversely affect local livelihoods. "A mining company may have obtained every legal permit required to operate. But a legal licence does not automatically guarantee acceptance by the community," he explained.

For Mr. Dwumfour, securing the necessary permits marks the beginning of a mining company's responsibilities, rather than marking the end of its obligations. He urged mining companies to actively engage with communities, respect their concerns, and continuously demonstrate that their activities contribute positively to local development.