Evaluating Stakeholder Participation and Company Responsiveness in Addressing Community Concerns Over the Sustainability of Mining Operations in Ghana: The Case of Ashanti Region

Abstract

The mining sector remains central to Ghana’s economy, yet large-scale operations in the Ashanti Region have generated persistent tensions between mining firms and host communities. Using a mixed-methods design, this study combines structured surveys (n=74) across four mining communities, namely, Obuasi, Manso Nkwanta, Konongo, and Mpasatia, with semi-structured key informant interviews with seven regulatory bodies. Quantitative data were analysed through frequency distribution and descriptive statistics, qualitative transcripts underwent thematic analysis using NVivo 14 software.
Findings reveal a fundamental disconnect between firms’ stated commitments and community realities. Some 61% of respondents disputed that firms conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), while 82% disputed the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies. A core finding is that firms systematically substitute enforceable ESG frameworks, independently audited, legally structured, and tied to long-term accountability, with discretionary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes that are voluntary, carry no legal enforcement mechanism, and fail to address structured community accountability. This substitution constitutes a governance failure with direct consequences for host communities. Stakeholder engagement is equally deficient, 63% of respondents disagree that structured engagement processes exist, and 71% rate firms as unresponsive to community concerns.
The study concludes that sustainable mining governance in the Ashanti Region requires a decisive and policy-backed shift from voluntary CSR to enforceable ESG commitments, strengthened cross-institutional regulatory oversight, and inclusive stakeholder engagement processes that meaningfully incorporate marginalised groups, particularly women and youth.