The existence of the Chirano Gold Mine Limited and its effect on the livelihood of the Chirano Concession Area

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2012-06-29
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Ghana is endowed with rich mineral resources e. g. gold, diamond, manganese and bauxite. Mining of minerals has triggered agitation by communities, who expect improved livelihoods from the mining companies. This study aimed at assessing the effect of the existence of the Chirano Gold mine Limited (CGML) on communities in its concessional area (Etwebo, Akoti and Paboase). Quantitative and qualitative primary data on general household characteristics e. g. employment, food security, health care, and sustainable utilization of natural resources were collected via questionnaire, interviews and personal observations. One hundred and fifty (150) respondents were drawn from traditional rulers, district assembly, land owners, farmers, youth groups, opinion leaders and women. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists was used to analyze the data for percentages, ranges and central tendencies. Results indicated that majority (98.2%) of respondents have obtained both direct and indirect employments (through stimulus for infrastructural development) from CGML. Thirty two (32%) of the respondents expressed worry about lose and degradation of farms, farm lands and farm roads while 93% cited the problem of air pollution. Sixty-four (64%) respondents have not been educated beyond the Junior High School. This placed restrictions on the extent of employment for members of the communities who on the contrary have not fully appreciated this limitation. There appears also to be a wide communication gap between CGML and the communities. This has masked the company’s image weakening its mutual co-existence with the communities. Adoption of more open communication and operational policies and stakeholder inclusion in local interventionary measures could help improve the relationship between company and the communities for co-existence.
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A thesis submitted to the Department of Materials Engineering of the College of Engineering, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, in Environmental Resources Management, June-2012
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