The document discusses potential areas of conflict between investors and communities in Ghana's emerging oil and gas industry, drawing on lessons from mining areas globally. It identifies several key issues: 1) Economic ventures and influx of non-indigenes could cause tensions as outsiders prosper while locals lack skills; 2) Unequal development and disputes over land use between companies and indigenous groups have occurred elsewhere; 3) A lack of effective communication and consultation about industry risks and impacts has led to mistrust and protest. The document proposes improved information sharing, land management tools to support livelihoods, financial benefits like royalties for communities, and employing local youth, to help ensure harmonious relations.
Oil spillage and gas flaring by the oil industry has devastated the Niger Delta for more than half a century. Oil pollution causes both immediate damage and long-term harm to fish, agricultural lands and the health of the living environment.
The petroleum industry in Nigeria is the largest industry and mean generator of Gross Domestic product (GDP) in the West African Nation. Inspite of the huge financial investment made by the Nigerian government in the oil and gas industry of the economy, it has not resulted in significant benefits for most Nigerians.
http://bonnylightcrudeoil.org
Oil spillage and gas flaring by the oil industry has devastated the Niger Delta for more than half a century. Oil pollution causes both immediate damage and long-term harm to fish, agricultural lands and the health of the living environment.
The petroleum industry in Nigeria is the largest industry and mean generator of Gross Domestic product (GDP) in the West African Nation. Inspite of the huge financial investment made by the Nigerian government in the oil and gas industry of the economy, it has not resulted in significant benefits for most Nigerians.
http://bonnylightcrudeoil.org
Globalization is the process by which the world has integrated, but if analyze the whole perspective, it reveals both sides of the coin... development, economical freedom, social transformation, and environmental pollution... how a country like Bangladesh is affected by globalization ......
Dig It! Rare Earth and Uranium Mining Potential in the StatesALEC
Rare earth and uranium are crucial to modern life in the United States. Rare earths are necessary for a wide array of everyday products from iPhones to advanced medical support to defense equipment, and to our digital society. Uranium fuels 20 percent of our electricity. Fortunately, the United States has the capacity to expand domestic production of both rare earths and uranium, which could reinvigorate our economy, add jobs, and increase revenues to suffering state budgets.
The Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force’s publication, titled Dig It! Rare Earth and Uranium Mining Potential in the States, details rare earth and uranium mining reserves and production, reviews permitting and regulatory hurdles, estimates the economic benefit of developing reserves, and highlights the safety and environmental track record of mining.
For more information, please visit www.alec.org.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is a team of researchers not publication services or private publications running the journals for monetary benefits, we are association of scientists and academia who focus only on supporting authors who want to publish their work. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online, all the articles will be archived for real time access.
Our journal system primarily aims to bring out the research talent and the works done by sciaentists, academia, engineers, practitioners, scholars, post graduate students of engineering and science. This journal aims to cover the scientific research in a broader sense and not publishing a niche area of research facilitating researchers from various verticals to publish their papers. It is also aimed to provide a platform for the researchers to publish in a shorter of time, enabling them to continue further All articles published are freely available to scientific researchers in the Government agencies,educators and the general public. We are taking serious efforts to promote our journal across the globe in various ways, we are sure that our journal will act as a scientific platform for all researchers to publish their works online.
Logistics in the Context of Small-Scale MiningTristan Wiggill
Presented by: Mr. PG Kwata Director: Small-Scale Mining
Department of Mineral Resources,SOUTH AFRICA during the 2nd Annual Coal Transportation Africa Conference 2015.
understanding climate and economic changesVishal Jamwal
overview,sustainability,impact of weather ,climate on buisness,opurtunities arising from climate change,energy consumption ,risk arising from climate change,inteded nationally determined contribution,paris agreement,National green tribunal
How to dominate your local competition onlineAbhinav Gulyani
Bluo Media provides a case study on how small business can utilize online marketing to create a strategic marketing plan for there businesses.
For more information: http://bluomedia.com & http://bluo.in
Bluo Media is an performance based marketing agency based in US, UK & Australia.
Wordcamp, India 2009 - How to Implement SEO on a Wordpress Blog - Wordpress S...Abhinav Gulyani
Abhinav Gulyani aka Aby presents at India's First Wordcamp - On implementation of SEO on Wordpress Blog / Website. He also talks about Social Media Marketing, Microblogging, On Page SEO & Off Page SEO Wordpress Plugins, Wordpress SEO Tips.
Globalization is the process by which the world has integrated, but if analyze the whole perspective, it reveals both sides of the coin... development, economical freedom, social transformation, and environmental pollution... how a country like Bangladesh is affected by globalization ......
Dig It! Rare Earth and Uranium Mining Potential in the StatesALEC
Rare earth and uranium are crucial to modern life in the United States. Rare earths are necessary for a wide array of everyday products from iPhones to advanced medical support to defense equipment, and to our digital society. Uranium fuels 20 percent of our electricity. Fortunately, the United States has the capacity to expand domestic production of both rare earths and uranium, which could reinvigorate our economy, add jobs, and increase revenues to suffering state budgets.
The Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force’s publication, titled Dig It! Rare Earth and Uranium Mining Potential in the States, details rare earth and uranium mining reserves and production, reviews permitting and regulatory hurdles, estimates the economic benefit of developing reserves, and highlights the safety and environmental track record of mining.
For more information, please visit www.alec.org.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is a team of researchers not publication services or private publications running the journals for monetary benefits, we are association of scientists and academia who focus only on supporting authors who want to publish their work. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online, all the articles will be archived for real time access.
Our journal system primarily aims to bring out the research talent and the works done by sciaentists, academia, engineers, practitioners, scholars, post graduate students of engineering and science. This journal aims to cover the scientific research in a broader sense and not publishing a niche area of research facilitating researchers from various verticals to publish their papers. It is also aimed to provide a platform for the researchers to publish in a shorter of time, enabling them to continue further All articles published are freely available to scientific researchers in the Government agencies,educators and the general public. We are taking serious efforts to promote our journal across the globe in various ways, we are sure that our journal will act as a scientific platform for all researchers to publish their works online.
Logistics in the Context of Small-Scale MiningTristan Wiggill
Presented by: Mr. PG Kwata Director: Small-Scale Mining
Department of Mineral Resources,SOUTH AFRICA during the 2nd Annual Coal Transportation Africa Conference 2015.
understanding climate and economic changesVishal Jamwal
overview,sustainability,impact of weather ,climate on buisness,opurtunities arising from climate change,energy consumption ,risk arising from climate change,inteded nationally determined contribution,paris agreement,National green tribunal
How to dominate your local competition onlineAbhinav Gulyani
Bluo Media provides a case study on how small business can utilize online marketing to create a strategic marketing plan for there businesses.
For more information: http://bluomedia.com & http://bluo.in
Bluo Media is an performance based marketing agency based in US, UK & Australia.
Wordcamp, India 2009 - How to Implement SEO on a Wordpress Blog - Wordpress S...Abhinav Gulyani
Abhinav Gulyani aka Aby presents at India's First Wordcamp - On implementation of SEO on Wordpress Blog / Website. He also talks about Social Media Marketing, Microblogging, On Page SEO & Off Page SEO Wordpress Plugins, Wordpress SEO Tips.
Rising Need for Environment Sustainable Responsibility by the Firmspaperpublications3
Abstract: The need for environmental sustainable responsibility by firms has risen on an altogether new level as the year 2011 ended with the largest ever jump in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The bitter truth is that the carbon intensity of the world’s fastest growing economies is only rising despite futile efforts of UN climate talks.
It is imperative for an organization to work collectively towards reorganizing the world’s systems of energy and agricultural production by optimizing its capabilities, assets and even by flexing its political muscle to directly influence inadequate policies.
Practically this is rare as companies tend to “greenwash” their image by misrepresentation of facts to popularity & profits. On the other hand companies such as Google & IBM have been genuinely effective in playing their part in environment sustainability.
Pipeline Vandalisation and Its Implications on Oil Host Communities of the Ni...paperpublications3
Abstract: Vandalisation of oil pipelines with its resultant effects of oil spillage, and fire explosion appears to have led to death toll. This has become a nightmare to the Nigerian government on how the menace could be curbed. This prompted the study on pipeline vandalisation and its implications on oil host communities of the Niger Delta between 2003 and 2015. Specifically, the study determined the effect of incidences of oil pipeline vandalisation and fire explosion on death tolls in the oil host communities. The theoretical thrust of the paper was the “frustration-aggression theory (FAT)” of John Dollard. Pre-formulated tables which are contemporary from oil producing and oil regulatory firms as well as other institutions in the oil industry in the Niger Delta were obtained and systematically analyzed. The study adopted 'ex-post facto' research design because of its analytical anchor on already documented events. Regression and correlation were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that the incidences of oil pipeline vandalisation and fire explosion insignificantly contributed to death tolls in the oil host communities of Niger Delta.
Keywords: Oil Pipeline Vandalism, Oil Host communities, Death Loss, Niger Delta, Community Development.
Title: Pipeline Vandalisation and Its Implications on Oil Host Communities of the Niger Delta (2003-2015)
Author: Professor Patrick L. Akpan, Ufomba, Rex Eze, Ibekwe, Christopher Chimaobi, Ufomba Akudo Judith
ISSN 2349-7807
International Journal of Recent Research in Commerce Economics and Management (IJRRCEM)
Paper Publications
Evaluation of the impact of oil spillage on izombe community and their produc...eSAT Journals
Abstract This project reviewed the environmental impact study of oil spillage, using the case study of Izombe in Imo State, Nigeria. It critically analysed the effects of oil spillage on marine life, land, ecological effect, and the effect on human health. It further treated the socio-economics of the people and appraised sustainable environment and development which only can be achieve through environmental impact assessment (EIA). The research also involved the use of primary and secondary sources of data collection for methodology. Questionnaires were developed, administered and observations recorded. We found out that oil spillage occurred up to two (2) times yearly at Izombe, thereby reducing the likelihood of any productivity improvement. It was traced mainly due to sabotage of oil installation. We found out that 56.4% of oil spillage was due to sabotage. We recommended increased efforts by the stakeholders in the management of the oil installations. Keywords: Evaluation, Oil spillage, Productivity, Izombe.
Study: Energy Futures? Eni´s investment in tar sands and palm oil in the Cong...Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Eni, formerly the Italian state oil company, is undertaking a new multi-billion dollar investment in Congo in developing tar sands, oil palm for food and bio-diesel and gas-fuelled electricity. Eni’s investments in tar sands and oil palm are inherently high-risk. In other parts of the world, such investments have been heavily criticized for causing social and environmental damage, both locally and globally. The actual study gives background information about the investment.
To Mine or Not to Mine
The Case of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project: Mindanao, Philippines
Presented to the Department of National Defense. Conference Room , 3rd Floor, DND Building. Camp Aguinaldo.
Quezon City, Philippines
May 31, 2012
Esteban C. Godilano, Ph.D.
With contributions by Atty. Christian S. Monsod
Climate
Change
Congress of the
Philippines
Natural Gas Conditioning and Processing From Marginal Fields Using Modular Te...IJERA Editor
Gas flaring in Nigeria is a major pollution concern for the environment and health of Nigerians. Burning of
natural gas brings about emitting of carbon monoxide into the environment as well as warm up the environment,
thereby contributing to the global warming scourge. The lack of processing this gas has also led to loss of
revenue in a sector where there is a likelihood of otherwise generating more revenue in the country. Gas
conditioning and processing in Nigeria has brought about certain level of solutions to the flaring of natural gas
in the country. This paper discusses a modular technology associated with the conditioning and processing of
natural gas that marginal fields can partake-in in Nigeria to monetize natural gas in the country using a typical
Nigeria natural gas plant located in Delta State as a cased study. There have been lots of discouragement in the
past about investing in associated gas produced during crude oil production, but the study on this particular gas
plant in Nigeria shows solutions to most of this problems. The gas plant LPG facility is a modular assembly of
process equipment linked with interconnecting pipework for scalability and ease of deployment. The design
took into consideration the specific composition of the associated gas produced during production of crude oil.
The traditional approach of piping gas from a remotely located oil field to a central processing facility can now
be put aside paving the way for a less than orthodox technique of “bringing the plant to the gas” whereby the
need for expensive pipeline will be eliminated by situating the facility adjacent to the oil flow station. The gas
plant gives a full technology of utilizing natural gas resources to meet the socio-economic needs of mankind
while preserving the environment not only for meeting present needs but for the needs of future generations.
Curbing bush burning - A quick win to resilient and sustainable sesame produc...Dr. Joshua Zake
This key note address was prepared and presented to initiate discussions during a two (2) day Multi stakeholder platform (MSP) that took place from the 17th to 18th of December 2019 at Golden Peace Hotel in Gulu town. It was organized by SNV-Uganda as one of the outputs under the CRAFT project.
The project implementation is led by SNV in partnership with Wageningen University and Research, Department of Environment and Research (WEnR), CGIAR’s Climate Change Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), AgriTerra and Rabo partnerships. The Climate resilient Agribusiness for tomorrow (CRAFT) project is a 5-year project that operates in in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Further information about the project is vailable at: https://snv.org/project/climate-resilient-agribusiness-tomorrow-craft
The objectives of the meeting were:
a. Understand the reason behind persistent bush burning and occasional shifting cultivation as a method of land clearing in Sesame production
b. Reflection on bush burning as a practice; and its effects on the biophysical and chemical environment.
c. Discuss possible remedial actions to curb the vice and agree on actionable points to prevent the use of bush burning as a method of land clearing.
d. Institute a working committee to take lead in implementing; and overseeing the implementation of strategy against the practice
This study aimed to challenge the mission of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau that Mining Shall Be Pro People and Pro Environment in Sustaining Wealth Creation and Improved Quality of Life. To assess the Maricalum Mining Corporation MMC areas, including the tailing pan, open pit, drilling and blasting, watershed, residential, and mine foot. Utilized the qualitative research design using the direct observation, documentary analysis of the reports on the mining operation, particularly the “Geohazard assessment of areas located along the Calat an River in Barangay Baclao, Cauayan and Barangay Cartagena, Sipalay City. The study revealed that the community needs to implement the cleanup activity to the abandoned mine waste to restore the ecological system of nature. Furthermore, the condition of the subject areas arrived in devising an appropriate removal and disposal plan for the destructive mining waste materials from the vast regions. The MGB utilized the fact finding results as the basis for the action taken on dangerous mining wastes. The plan was submitted to the MGB 6 and in the national office for perusal and approval. Jean Benedicto Pauyon | Engr. Jerome G. Mongcal | Leo C. Naparota | Johana J. Abdula | Rogelio A. Lovina, Jr. | Delmer A. Mondido | Allan Z. Caw-It "Mine Waste: A Social Deviance" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-4 , June 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.compapers/ijtsrd42535.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.commanagement/strategic-management/42535/mine-waste-a-social-deviance/jean-benedicto-pauyon
RMD24 | Debunking the non-endemic revenue myth Marvin Vacquier Droop | First ...BBPMedia1
Marvin neemt je in deze presentatie mee in de voordelen van non-endemic advertising op retail media netwerken. Hij brengt ook de uitdagingen in beeld die de markt op dit moment heeft op het gebied van retail media voor niet-leveranciers.
Retail media wordt gezien als het nieuwe advertising-medium en ook mediabureaus richten massaal retail media-afdelingen op. Merken die niet in de betreffende winkel liggen staan ook nog niet in de rij om op de retail media netwerken te adverteren. Marvin belicht de uitdagingen die er zijn om echt aansluiting te vinden op die markt van non-endemic advertising.
What are the main advantages of using HR recruiter services.pdfHumanResourceDimensi1
HR recruiter services offer top talents to companies according to their specific needs. They handle all recruitment tasks from job posting to onboarding and help companies concentrate on their business growth. With their expertise and years of experience, they streamline the hiring process and save time and resources for the company.
Explore our most comprehensive guide on lookback analysis at SafePaaS, covering access governance and how it can transform modern ERP audits. Browse now!
Putting the SPARK into Virtual Training.pptxCynthia Clay
This 60-minute webinar, sponsored by Adobe, was delivered for the Training Mag Network. It explored the five elements of SPARK: Storytelling, Purpose, Action, Relationships, and Kudos. Knowing how to tell a well-structured story is key to building long-term memory. Stating a clear purpose that doesn't take away from the discovery learning process is critical. Ensuring that people move from theory to practical application is imperative. Creating strong social learning is the key to commitment and engagement. Validating and affirming participants' comments is the way to create a positive learning environment.
Discover the innovative and creative projects that highlight my journey throu...dylandmeas
Discover the innovative and creative projects that highlight my journey through Full Sail University. Below, you’ll find a collection of my work showcasing my skills and expertise in digital marketing, event planning, and media production.
Personal Brand Statement:
As an Army veteran dedicated to lifelong learning, I bring a disciplined, strategic mindset to my pursuits. I am constantly expanding my knowledge to innovate and lead effectively. My journey is driven by a commitment to excellence, and to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Attending a job Interview for B1 and B2 Englsih learnersErika906060
It is a sample of an interview for a business english class for pre-intermediate and intermediate english students with emphasis on the speking ability.
3.0 Project 2_ Developing My Brand Identity Kit.pptxtanyjahb
A personal brand exploration presentation summarizes an individual's unique qualities and goals, covering strengths, values, passions, and target audience. It helps individuals understand what makes them stand out, their desired image, and how they aim to achieve it.
RMD24 | Retail media: hoe zet je dit in als je geen AH of Unilever bent? Heid...BBPMedia1
Grote partijen zijn al een tijdje onderweg met retail media. Ondertussen worden in dit domein ook de kansen zichtbaar voor andere spelers in de markt. Maar met die kansen ontstaan ook vragen: Zelf retail media worden of erop adverteren? In welke fase van de funnel past het en hoe integreer je het in een mediaplan? Wat is nu precies het verschil met marketplaces en Programmatic ads? In dit half uur beslechten we de dilemma's en krijg je antwoorden op wanneer het voor jou tijd is om de volgende stap te zetten.
The world of search engine optimization (SEO) is buzzing with discussions after Google confirmed that around 2,500 leaked internal documents related to its Search feature are indeed authentic. The revelation has sparked significant concerns within the SEO community. The leaked documents were initially reported by SEO experts Rand Fishkin and Mike King, igniting widespread analysis and discourse. For More Info:- https://news.arihantwebtech.com/search-disrupted-googles-leaked-documents-rock-the-seo-world/
Remote sensing and monitoring are changing the mining industry for the better. These are providing innovative solutions to long-standing challenges. Those related to exploration, extraction, and overall environmental management by mining technology companies Odisha. These technologies make use of satellite imaging, aerial photography and sensors to collect data that might be inaccessible or from hazardous locations. With the use of this technology, mining operations are becoming increasingly efficient. Let us gain more insight into the key aspects associated with remote sensing and monitoring when it comes to mining.
Unveiling the Secrets How Does Generative AI Work.pdfSam H
At its core, generative artificial intelligence relies on the concept of generative models, which serve as engines that churn out entirely new data resembling their training data. It is like a sculptor who has studied so many forms found in nature and then uses this knowledge to create sculptures from his imagination that have never been seen before anywhere else. If taken to cyberspace, gans work almost the same way.
India Orthopedic Devices Market: Unlocking Growth Secrets, Trends and Develop...Kumar Satyam
According to TechSci Research report, “India Orthopedic Devices Market -Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2030”, the India Orthopedic Devices Market stood at USD 1,280.54 Million in 2024 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 7.84% in the forecast period, 2026-2030F. The India Orthopedic Devices Market is being driven by several factors. The most prominent ones include an increase in the elderly population, who are more prone to orthopedic conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis. Moreover, the rise in sports injuries and road accidents are also contributing to the demand for orthopedic devices. Advances in technology and the introduction of innovative implants and prosthetics have further propelled the market growth. Additionally, government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases have led to an upward trend in orthopedic surgeries, thereby fueling the market demand for these devices.
Digital Transformation in PLM - WHAT and HOW - for distribution.pdf
Ensuring harmonious relations among investors and communities in an emerging oil and gas industry in ghana
1. Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.9, 2013
54
Ensuring Harmonious Relations among Investors and
Communities in an Emerging Oil and Gas Industry in Ghana
Dr. Samuel Kofi Badu-Nyarko
Institute of Continuing and Distance Education, University of Ghana, Legon
Email of the corresponding author: skbnyarko@ug.edu.gh
Abstract
The development of mining has been in Ghana since the 1880s with the mining of gold, diamonds, bauxite,
manganese etc. This has brought both development of social infrastructure, road improvement, growth of
villages into towns and provision of housing facilities to workers of mining communities to live better. However,
this has not been done without much controversy and conflict among the communities where the exploitation of
the minerals occurs. In most cases conflict arises among the chiefs or traditional rulers and the subjects or the
investors and the communities concerned. Thus, the procedures for determining the beneficiaries for royalties
and unequal developments sometimes stall the successful operations of the industry. Other potential conflicts
involve environmental concerns. This paper therefore seeks to examine the implications of the emerging oil and
gas industry in reducing conflicts among investors and the communities in which the oil and gas industry is
developed. It draws evidence from mining areas across the world and the effects previous experiences of mining
had on Ghana.
Key words: Investors –Community relations, emerging oil and gas industry in Ghana, Environmental impact
assessment
1. Introduction
The history of mining in Ghana dates back many years before the advent of Europeans in 1472. However,
modern mining through small scale activities started with the work of Pierre Bonnet a French trader. This
activity was however legalized in 1989 by granting few mining concessions to indigenes. Before then, open cast
and deep shaft mining were performed by multi-national corporations. Minerals over the years have contributed
immensely to Ghana’s export revenue. For instance, in 1992, the mining sector earned the nation a proportion of
a total foreign exchange of 40%.
Mining in 2005 accounted for 5% of Ghana’s Domestic Gross Product (GDP) and minerals make up 37% of
total exports of which Gold constitutes 90% of total mineral exports. For example Obuasi mines alone employ
over 5722 local staff directly engaged in its activities. Ghana is Africa’s second highest gold producer producing
70 tons in 2003 and 2143 M oz in 2005. In 2005, the mining sector produced 1,065,923 ct of diamonds; 606,000
tons of bauxite and 1,719,589 tons of manganese (www.mbendi.com/indy/ming/af/gh/p0005.htm). Royalties
accruing from the mining operations vary from 3% to 12% of the gross value of minerals variation is related to
the “operating margin” and is designed to prevent Royalties becoming too onerous during times of low
profitability. Today, minerals account for 20% of total exports. Gold alone account for two-thirds of the
production of minerals, most of it extracted by multinational companies. In the Democratic Republic of Congo
conservative estimates show that 2 million people are actively involved in mining and are responsible for
producing 90% of the minerals exported from the country. Yet, the country has not seen peace in the mining
sectors of the economy and the communities in which mining occurs. There are thousands of the unemployed
youth living in mining areas who do not benefit from their activities and therefore engage in illegal mining with
dynamites, mercury and other forms to earn a living despite the threats they pose.
Akapire (2010) maintains that mining employs many men hence it attracts labour. Dickson and Benneh (1998)
stated that people from various parts of Ghana and West Africa flock the mining towns, thereby increasing their
populations. Such towns become unsafe to live in as so many unscrupulous men are bent on getting rich quickly.
Furthermore, social life deteriorates due to the population increase which promotes the practice of stealing and
prostitution resulting in low standard of living.
Addo (1997) cited by Akapire (2010) in a report to a National Symposium on the current environment practice in
the mining industry on Iduapriem Goldmine at Tarkwa stated that a number of communities have been displaced
due to the company’s operations. It is important that these communities have adequate amenities to cope with the
change and assisted in such project as electrification, provision of market, a clinic, a place of convenience and
construction of schools and wells through the company’s support.
The Daily Graphic of Monday May 18, 1998 reported that some mining companies have created water pollution
problems for resettled communities. Besides, there are poor company- community relations in areas where they
operate. Some settled communities have no access to adequate farmlands while ancestral homes are lost (Badu-
Nyarko, 2004). The Daily Graphic report further stated that the rate and quality of reclamation of destroyed areas
2. Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.9, 2013
55
are not satisfactory at some of the mines. For instance, in August 1997 the Minister of Mines and Energy in a
meeting with the Mine Workers Union at Tarkwa remarked: “the wrath of public outcry against surface mining
is not so much that there should not be surface mining at all, what the people are against is the wanton and
seemingly uncontrolled destruction of the environment and the economic livelihood of the people through
surface mining” (p.7).
Similarly, the Daily Graphic’s editorial of May 1997 with the title “ AGC compensation package’ at page 7
lamented on the effects the company’s surface mining is going to have on the people which may result in the
destruction of private property and the environment. In other to guarantee private property and protect the
environment in its operations, the company has the responsibility to safeguard the interest of individuals who
own property within the operational area and strive for a balance in the environment. For instance, McDougal in
2011 wrote extensively on the plight of Obuasi which has not benefited much from mining over the years with
poor road network, no good drinking water, electricity, unemployment, environmental pollution, high cost of
living and diseases. These issues are similar to other mining towns in Ghana.
In an experiment performed on pollution in the Obuasi Township Down (1977) cited in Akapire (2010)
concluded that pollution extended to a minimum of 5-9 miles further away from the Pompora treatment plant.
This is an indication that air pollution is a major problem in mining areas due to the mode of ore and other
chemicals used at the mines. Down found out that the vegetation around Obuasi is being destroyed by large
quantities of noxious substances regularly poured into the air. This renders the land susceptible to erosion and
instability of slopes to hills. The lands are also vulnerable to landslides which can cause great damage to man
and property.
For instance, it is estimated that every year mining and metallurgy release over 13 billion cubic metres of
effluents into Peru’s water courses. This is a very worrying situation about the potential for adverse
environmental impacts and the implications that these will have for livelihood, consumption, wellbeing and
health.
In Ghana, open pit mining has gradually degraded the landscape and the forest cover. Mining particularly oil and
gas poses a danger to forest reserves which will destroy the vegetation cover particularly timber species and
natural forest. Abdallah (2010) commented on the oil exploration in Uganda and stated that oil extraction will
ruin Uganda’s environment particularly its national parks and water bodies. This will also displace a large
number of people who rely on the national parks and ecology for survival. This is expected to bring a lot of
dissatisfaction and disaffection among the people and the companies rather than relief.
Ghana intends to invest 60% of oil revenue in agriculture to sustain the economy to balance the structure of the
economy. However, the development of the oil and gas industry will not be free of tensions between the
investors and the communities where this occurs. Therefore, this paper intends to delve into the potential
tensions and conflicts expected in the development of the oil and gas industry after one year of oil production in
Ghana and how to ensure harmonious relationships between the oil and gas companies and the local
communities where the industry is established.
2. Potential areas of conflict
The expansion of mining in Ghana is expected that over 40% of Ghana’s peasant communities in the Western
Region will be affected by mining activities. With greater optimism that this will eventually lead to significant
economic growth, there is much concern that the socio-environmental costs might be unacceptably high. In fact,
there exist major stakes in these conflicts, affecting everything from local livelihood sustainability to the
solvency of indigenous societies and traditional life. There are genuine fears for water quality and quantity,
unequal development, poverty, and social vices that may sometimes produce violent conflicts between investors
(miners) and the communities in which they operate.
3. Economic ventures and influx of non-indigenes
Another area of potential conflict is the influx of non-indigenes into the areas of oil and gas exploitation. These
new entrants may bring with them the skills and expertise needed to develop the industry. Their success and
service to the industry at the expense of the indigenes that lacked such skills may gradually develop into hatred.
This becomes even worse when they begin to acquire landed properties like buildings, commercial ventures and
become highly prosperous. This has been the case in places like the Congo and the Niger delta. Also, the influx
of people may bring about its attendant social vices when they fail to secure employment.
4. Unequal development and land use
One of the major sources of mining related disputes in Australia concerns land use. These conflicts have arisen
partly due to increased public support for conservation and partly because of the more intense search for resource
deposits as less controversial deposits are used up. The problem is between the aborigines who live on, own and
3. Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.9, 2013
56
have claim to land and the mining companies that want to mine the land. This conflict has intensified since the
Mabo High Court decision recognized native title to traditional aboriginal land owners. Industry groups are
opposed to aborigines having the power to veto mining access to land granted to them under the land rights and
the Mabo decision, and they see some claims on sacred sites not being genuine. They argue that minerals belong
to all Australians, and that the decision over whether they should be mined should take account of ‘general
community as well as Aboriginal values’ (Beder, 1996).
The Ghana News Agency report of Sunday, July 25, 2010 headlined “Government blamed for poor development
in mining areas” indicated that the General Secretary of the Ghana Mine Workers Union of the Ghana Trades
Union Congress Mr. Prince William Ankrah stating that the lack of adequate infrastructure and the increasing
number of slums in mining communities was a sign of failure on the part of government and local authorities. He
stated: “We cannot continue to operate in an area which lacks the basic necessities that promotes the social
wellbeing of the inhabitants and makes the cost of doing business in the area difficult.”
5. Lack of effective communication and discussions
There is an overall absence of clear, reliable, transparent and independent information on the nature of the risks
involved as a result of the mining activity. In many instances, long histories of poor corporate environmental
practice and of weak state regulation have left communities distrustful of the central government and mining
companies. This is very sever where mining is a new activity. In many instances, the companies and the
government refuse to disclose the long term effects of the activity on the community. Also, the absence of a
comprehensive communication plan on the activities creates conflicts. Such was the case in Poboya Forest area
in Indonesia where the indigenes protested to stop the government and the mining companies from encroaching
on their lands and for that matter operating a mine. This is based on the fact that there is no mining activity
anywhere that has not been destructive and wanted to know the long term effects on their lives.
6. Poverty in the mist of riches
Onduku (2001) cites the Environment and Conflict Project document the “environmental conflicts manifest
themselves as political, social, economic, religious or territorial conflicts or conflicts over resources or national
interests, or any other type of conflict. They are traditional conflicts induced by an environmental degradation”.
P. 1. He further stated that environmental conflicts are usually complex in structure and history and to a large
extent impact on public interests and goods as well as non-represented interests like future generations.
Furthermore, government policies and land controls including forest reserves have rendered many locals poor at
the expense of industrial growth and development. Such tendencies where the people wallow in abject poverty
while others enjoy decent and affluent lifestyles while exploiting their resources degenerate hatred and tension.
In fact, Onduku (2001) writing on the Ogoni people remarked that the conflict between Ogoni, Shell and the
Nigerian State may in part be attributed to the unguarded devastation made to the fragile natural environment of
the Niger Delta. To many Ijaw youth of the Niger Delta of Nigeria, the best way to ensure the continuous
survival of the indigenous people of the Ijaw nationality is “the unabating damage to the environment as due to
uncontrolled exploration and exploitation of crude oil and natural gas which has led to numerous oil spillages,
uncontrolled gas flaring, the opening up of forests for loggers, indiscriminate canalization, flooding, land
subsistence, coastal erosion, earth tremors etc” p.6. The author citing the Kaiama declaration stated further that
oil and gas are exhaustible resources and the complete lack of concern for ecological rehabilitation is a signal for
impending doom for the people of Ijaw.
7. Provision of harmonious relations
With these potential conflicts and tensions happening in other parts of the world, ghan has to draw lessons from
them in order to ensure harmonious relations or limit the tensions anticipated. The following are therefore
proposed.
7.1 Improved information and communication
There is the need to provide effective dialogue among all the stakeholders in the industry such as the
communities, the oil and gas companies and the government of Ghana through the ministries and agencies. This
requires a baseline information on effects of oil and gas before activities begin. For example, Singh , Koku and
Balfors (2007) in a study of mining communities in the Wassa West district on the causes of conflict in these
areas. The authors using the practical theory of Trinity of Voice (TOR) in resolving conflicts in mining areas in
Ghana recommended a multi-stakeholder decision making processes and effective public participation of
members from the local host communities to resolve existing conflicts and prevent such occurrences in future. In
Indonesia for instance, the Poboya community were apprehensive of the sincerity of the mining companies. They
stated in part:
4. Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.9, 2013
57
This company has never been open to us about issues relating to mineral potential and the impacts that
will later be felt by the community. Instead, the company and the municipal government officials have
been pushing for the community to accept the mining plans by feeding promises of employment and
profit to the community in order to gain public acceptance of the mine (http://www.mines
andcommnities.org/article.php?a=1519. Culled: 31/12/2011).
This requires improved participation of broad range of stakeholders and Advisory groups procedures for
consultation
7.2 Developing and offering various management tools enabling landowners and land users to choose measures
appropriate
Another important aspect of providing harmonious relationship is the use of available land space. In many
instances, indigenes ownership of land is threatened when developments take place. The lost of land and
livelihood requires that various management tools are designed to allow land owners to adopt the most
appropriate measures that will help them sustain their lives. This can be the payment of royalties or property
rates over time. It is also appropriate that compensation is not paid once but spread over time or a percentage of
amount given per year. This will make land owners have some form of financial standing over time. It is also
advocated that part of the land use is reserved for community ownership and cultivation within a specified radius
for farming and other economic ventures.
8. Financial incentives and compensatory measures
The GNA report of July 25, 2010 indicated that the General Secretary of the Mine Workers Union suggested the
formation of a Mining Development Fund for the development of social infrastructure, road improvement, slum
upgrading and the provision of modern housing facilities that would make the workers of mining communities
live better after mining life. He further suggested that 20% of mineral royalties should go to the fund to be
managed by a decentralized institution that would make communities feel part of the success stories of mining.
He cited particularly Tarkwa in which he emphasized that despite the six mining companies with international
recognition, the present state of Tarkwa and its environs is too embarrassing and negative.
8.1 Employing some youth in unskilled sectors of the industry
Mr. Ankrah suggested that the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) at Tarkwa despite focusing in
producing graduates for the mining sector, must develop and expand its programmes to enable other youths and
individuals who are not interested in mining to venture into other areas.
8.2 Skills development
In line with sustainability and avoidance of tensions skills development to usher in the industry by indigenes
through education and training in oil and gas industry such as scholarships and identifying areas of interest is
advocated. In many mining areas, companies and governments fail to provide the needed skills for the local
people. With the emerging oil and gas industry, it is expected that the local people will embrace themselves by
engaging in economic and educational ventures that will help the meet the growing demands of the industry as
artisans and technicians. The oil and gas industry apart from being highly venture also requires both middle and
lower manpower to operate successfully. These middle and lower personnel require skills that may include
carpentry, mining engineering, technical skills, masonry, draughtsmanship. This requires that the chiefs, opinion
leaders, assembly men and women as well as politicians in the area provide enough scholarships to local people
to learn these trades and skills. This is a development towards the future – long term. It is pertinent to note that
some institutions like the Takoradi Polytechnic has shown interest in this and intends to run petroleum related
courses to welcome the oil and gas industry into the region (Weekly Spectator, Saturday, 7 January, 2012).
9. Agriculture and future livelihoods
An important element in ensuring conflict –free society where companies operate is to assist these communities
in subsistence agriculture and sustainable livelihoods. According to Biney (2010) the mining companies in the
Tarkwa area through environmental community needs assessment have assisted the communities in various
economic ventures. In the same vein in the Gamawela community in South Africa, the Anglo-Platinum board
approved the following for the community before operations
• That we compensate the community for the servitude over the area that the dam will cover at the same
price/ha as the land value/ha when the land was expropriated or
• That AP will assist the community to set up a fish breeding and harvesting system in the dam to
maximum value of R 1 million and
• That AP will provide funding for a management consultant to assist and train the community for a
maximum of three years on the fish farming to a maximum total value of R 1 million over this period
These and other support may include re-location and resettlement benefits so that the inhabitants can easily
adjust to the new life and continue with their livelihood. However, these could be possible through
5. Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.9, 2013
58
discussions with the local communities on agreed terms. Other alternative sources of income like Eco-
tourism may also be looked into.
10. Environmental impact assessment
In some instances, proper environmental impact assessment is not performed by the mining companies and even
if they were done the direct effects particularly adverse effects were not disclosed to the communities until the
unexpected happens. In fact, since many of the educated indigenes do not live in such communities they
sometimes connive with the mining companies to cover such issues or are bribed. This sometimes happen with
the assistance of the educated traditional rulers (Badu-Nyarko, 2004: Anokye, 2001)). The end result is
agitations by the youth of the communities as the leaders of the Wassa Communities Affected by Mining
(WACM) in Ghana and Ijaw youth in the Niger Delta of Nigeria over the years. This is because despite several
agitations, demonstrations and discussions government has not heeded to their plight. In Ghana cases can be
cited of open pit mines in the Amansie-West District which were left uncovered, abandoned mines, destruction
of livelihoods and diseases like malaria and “bululi” ulcer. The interest of the companies is making profits rather
than local development.
10.1 Resolving the issue of land ownership and control
Like many areas of the world like Niger Delta, Uganda, southern Sudan and Australia where mining particularly
oil is concerned, the people have no or little control over the land and its resources. These areas are less
developed and the people live in abject poverty. It is in fact very deplorable. They are looked down by the
mining companies. In most oil and gas nations, the operations of the companies indicate that most of the
communities are criss-crossed by oil pipelines and gas flares burned around the clock at ground level. This is to
say that these pipe lines are found close to villages. As Onduku (2001) puts it the companies remain negligent
and willful. Another issue lies with the fact that the mineral wealth particularly oil and gas belongs to the
government and must decide how the wealth from it is distributed for national development. Therefore, based on
the interest of the government areas where the resource is exploited may earn less. In Ghana similar expression
has been made by the chiefs of Western Region demanding 10% of the oil revenue for the development of the
region.
The people of Poboya in Indonesia protesting the establishment of a mining company in their community stated
inter alia:
We strongly protest the government’s position that favours the interests of the government and Pt CPM
of finding profits rather than the interests of the community as actual owners of the land in the region.
Turning our region into a mining region means taking away our rights to life because from this region
we are able to sustain our lives. The region planned to be mined includes one of the major suppliers of
drinking water for the community in the Pulu valley. If this gold mining project goes ahead, our
community as well as the community living in the Pulu Valley region will also face the threat of the
loss of their source of drinking water.
10.2 Underdevelopment and Poverty
This has been identified in Nigeria, Peru and Uganda as potential for conflicts. This tension can be managed by
appropriate institutional structures. While this is a potential issue, the provision of health, education and other
facilities of social wellbeing can help reduce conflicts. Onduku (2001) indicates that the employment policies of
the oil companies are lop-sided with the Niger Delta youths always denied. This has created a pool of
unemployed youth in the areas. Also as he indicated, the less a people benefit from a system, the less interest
they have in the system for their survival. He writes: ” Basically, “profit” or derived from a functioning
economy or system create an interest in avoiding conflict, which will prove more costly than management of the
tension even if the latter process requires some compromises.” The industry must take into account the survival
of future generations.
11. Conclusion
Mineral exploration and exploitation over the years had not promoted peace anywhere in developing countries.
This is based on the fact that the investors are first interested in their profits and deriving maximum benefit from
what they have invested. As many of them are outsiders of the area in which the operations are conducted they
care very little. Unlike Johannesburg where the whites found it as their permanent abode under the Apartheid
system, other towns and villages are an eyesore. Even in Johannesburg, we can cite Soweto as the other side of
the coin. Preventing tension in Ghana’s oil and gas industry can be achieved if practices in other areas can be
learnt. In essence genuine peace and harmony can be achieved by participation, equitable distribution of
resources, appropriate development, conscientization and environmental sustainability (Onduku, 2001). For a
solid foundation for the future of Ghana’s oil and Gas industry, all stakeholders must resolve to the address the
issues of poverty, environmental devastation, political, economic and social injustice, low level of literacy and
6. Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.9, 2013
59
unemployment.
References
Abdallah, H. (2010). Oil extraction will ruin Uganda’s environment. The East African, Monday June 28, 2010.
Addo, B. (1997). Report on current environmental practices in the mining industry, Ghana.
Akapire, G. (2010). The influence of small scale gold mining on the socio-economic lives of women involved in
mining activities in the Talensi-Nabdam district, Unpublished MA dissertation, University of Ghana.
Badu-Nyarko, S.K. (2004). Environmental Education in Ghana. In K. Asiedu, K. Adoo-Adeku, and A.K.
Amedzro (Ed.) The Practice of Adult Education in Ghana. Legon, Institute of Adult Education Press, pp. 127-
138.
Bebbington, A. and Williams, M. (2008). Water and mining conflicts in Peru. Mountain Research and
Development, 28(3), p. 190-195.
Beder, S. (1996). The nature of sustainable Ddevelopment. (2nd Ed.). Newham: Scribe.
Biney, I. K. (2010). Factors influencing participation in alternative livelihood programmes in the mining
communities of the western region of Ghana, Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Ghana.
Brody,S. Grover, H., Bernhardt, S., Tang, Z., Witaker, B., Spence, C. (2006). Identifying potential conflict
associated with oil and gas exploration in Texas State Coastal Waters: A multi-criteria spatial analysis.
University of Nebrasca.
Daily Graphic, Monday, May 18, 1998.
Anokye, J. (2001). Surface mining and its socio-economic effects on the Tarkwa community in the Wassa-West
district. Unpublished long essay, University of Ghana.
Editorial, Daily Graphic, May 20, 1997.
Finding solutions to Mine-Community conflict in Gamawela community. [online] Available:
http://sites.goggle.com/site/gamawelacommunity/home/Finding-solutions-to-mine-community. (31 December,
2011).
Government blamed for poor development in mining areas. Ghana News Agency, July 25, 1020.
McDougal, C. (2011). Ghana gold town yet to see much benefit from mines. Ghana web. 12 August, 2011.
Mines and communities: Pobaya Community reject mining in protected forest Area (2002). [online] Available:
http://www.mines andcommnities.org/article.php?a=1519 (30th
December 2011).
Mining in Ghana – overview. [online] Available: www.mbendi.com/indy/ming/af/gh/p0005.htm (3 January,
2012)
Onduku, A. (2001 November 22nd
). Environmental conflicts: the case of the Niger Delta. A presentation at the
One World Fortnight Programme organized by the Department of Peace studies, University of Bradford, United
Kingdom.
Singh, N. Koku, J. E. and Balfors, B. (2007 Nov). Resolving water conflicts in mining areas of Ghana through
public participation: A communication perspective. Journal of Creative Communications, 2 (3), 361-382.
Sustainable development: Mining – land use conflict information (2011) [online] available:
http://www.uow.edu.au/-sharonb/STS300/sustain/mining/landuseinfo.html. (31st
December 2011)
THE AUTHOR WAS BORN AT TARKWA, ON MAY 9, 1957.
HIS EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND INCLUDE:
• PH.D (ADULT EDUCATION), UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON-ACCRA, GHANA, 2005
• M.ED (CURRICULUM STUDIES), LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY, ONTARIO – CANADA, 1997
• M.PHIL (ADULT EDUCATION) UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON-ACCRA, GHANA, 1992
• BA (HONS) (POLITICAL SCIENCE WITH SOCIOLOGY), UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON-
ACCRA, GHANA, 1984
HIS AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION ARE:
• Distance education and e-learning
• Environmental and population education
• Human resource development and management
• Curriculum development and implementation
7. This academic article was published by The International Institute for Science,
Technology and Education (IISTE). The IISTE is a pioneer in the Open Access
Publishing service based in the U.S. and Europe. The aim of the institute is
Accelerating Global Knowledge Sharing.
More information about the publisher can be found in the IISTE’s homepage:
http://www.iiste.org
CALL FOR JOURNAL PAPERS
The IISTE is currently hosting more than 30 peer-reviewed academic journals and
collaborating with academic institutions around the world. There’s no deadline for
submission. Prospective authors of IISTE journals can find the submission
instruction on the following page: http://www.iiste.org/journals/ The IISTE
editorial team promises to the review and publish all the qualified submissions in a
fast manner. All the journals articles are available online to the readers all over the
world without financial, legal, or technical barriers other than those inseparable from
gaining access to the internet itself. Printed version of the journals is also available
upon request of readers and authors.
MORE RESOURCES
Book publication information: http://www.iiste.org/book/
Recent conferences: http://www.iiste.org/conference/
IISTE Knowledge Sharing Partners
EBSCO, Index Copernicus, Ulrich's Periodicals Directory, JournalTOCS, PKP Open
Archives Harvester, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, Elektronische
Zeitschriftenbibliothek EZB, Open J-Gate, OCLC WorldCat, Universe Digtial
Library , NewJour, Google Scholar