Empowering Communities for a Just and Sustainable Mining Governance

In a significant effort to empower mining affected communities in Northern Ghana, the Savannah Research and Advocacy Network (SRAN) and its community-based partners came together for a three-day intensive training workshop on Community Animation and Mobilization (CAM). The event, held from June 19th to 21st, 2023, in Bolgatanga, was organized under the Mining Governance and Activism Project (M-GAP), with support from Third World Network Africa (TWN) and facilitation by Innovation Development Alternatives (IDEAS).

The workshop aimed to equip community activists and leaders with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to organize their communities, engage with stakeholders, and advocate for their rights in the face of large-scale mining operations.

The Growing Challenges of Mining in Northern Ghana

Mining in Northern Ghana particularly in the Talensi and Nabdam districts dates back decades, with small-scale artisanal miners using traditional methods to extract gold. However, in recent years, large-scale mining companies often backed by foreign investors have increasingly dominated the landscape, obtaining vast concessions and disrupting local livelihoods.

While the Government of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act (2006) was designed to regulate small-scale mining and protect local interests, enforcement has often been weak. Many communities have faced displacement, environmental degradation, and loss of access to their natural resources, leading to widespread frustration and growing activism.

Recognizing the need for a coordinated approach to advocacy, IDEAS worked with local stakeholders to establish SRAN, a network that brings together various community-based organizations fighting for social justice in the mining sector. This training workshop was a critical step in enhancing the capacity of SRAN and its members to mobilize, advocate, and document their struggles effectively.

What the Training Covered

The workshop focused on four major areas:

Understanding the Mining Governance and Activism Project (M-GAP)

The M-GAP initiative seeks to promote responsible and people-centered mining governance. Participants were introduced to the objectives, strategies, and expected outcomes of the project, with an emphasis on how communities can take ownership of their advocacy efforts.

Community Animation and Mobilization for Action

Mobilizing a community for activism requires more than just passion—it demands strategy. Participants learned how to engage communities effectively, build trust, and inspire action. The training emphasized that every community is unique, requiring tailored approaches that respect local customs, traditions, and leadership structures.

Participatory Learning Approaches (PLA) for Grassroots Engagement

A key highlight of the training was Participatory Learning Approaches (PLA) a set of tools designed to help communities analyze their own situations and take collective action. Some of the PLA techniques introduced included:

• Mapping techniques (e.g., risk, resource, and mobility mapping)
• Ranking methods (preference ranking, wealth ranking)
• Focus group discussions and key informant interviews
• Seasonal and daily activity calendars
• Storytelling, proverbs, and historical profiles

Through hands-on exercises, participants practiced using these tools in real-world scenarios, ensuring they could apply them effectively in their communities.

Report Writing for Effective Advocacy

Documenting community struggles and successes is crucial for holding authorities accountable. The final sessions focused on improving report writing skills, covering topics such as:

The structure of a well-written report

• Types of reports (formal vs. informal)
• How to document community grievances and demands
• Reporting requirements for M-GAP partners

Participants engaged in practical exercises to refine their writing skills and test new reporting templates designed to standardize documentation across the M-GAP initiative.

A Future of Community-Driven Change

This training marked an important turning point in mining governance activism in Northern Ghana. Participants left not only with knowledge but also with renewed motivation to mobilize their communities and fight for their rights.

By equipping grassroots activists with the right skills, strategies, and networks, the M-GAP initiative is laying the foundation for a more empowered and organized movement that can challenge exploitative mining practices, demand accountability, and push for sustainable development in mining communities.

This is just the beginning. Future workshops and continued engagement will help sustain this momentum, ensuring that local communities have the voice and power to shape the future of mining governance in Ghana.

🔗 Stay connected for more updates on community-led advocacy and mining governance in Ghana!