Stakeholders in the Ahafo Ano South West District have participated in a capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening their understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), community engagement and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles in mineral governance.

The programme, held at the Health Conference Room of the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly at Mankranso, brought together representatives of traditional authorities, government institutions and other stakeholders involved in environmental and mineral governance.

The District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Abubakar Sedik, delivered the welcome address and expressed the Assembly’s commitment to promoting responsible and participatory development within the District.

Hon. Sedik welcomed participants to the programme and emphasised the importance of equipping traditional authorities, communities and other relevant stakeholders with the knowledge required to effectively participate in decisions concerning mineral resources and environmental protection.

He noted that effective community participation and collaboration among stakeholders were essential to ensuring that mineral development was undertaken responsibly while protecting the interests of affected communities and the environment.

The training emphasised the importance of effective community participation in decisions related to mining and other mineral development activities, particularly those with potential environmental and social impacts on local communities.

Participants were given an overview of mineral governance and the mineral licensing process in Ghana, including the role of traditional authorities in this process. They were also introduced to Ghana’s legal framework and processes for Environmental Impact Assessment and stakeholder participation.

A key component of the programme was a session on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), which highlighted the principles of community rights and the practical application of FPIC in decision-making processes.

The programme also examined the respective roles and responsibilities of traditional authorities, communities and government institutions in mineral-related decision-making.

Participants had the opportunity to share their experiences, ask questions, and discuss ways to improve collaboration among stakeholders.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the Minerals Commission, and the National Development Foundation (NDF) were among the institutions represented at the programme.

The organisers said the training was intended to improve participants’ understanding of Ghana’s Environmental Impact Assessment processes, enhance knowledge of FPIC principles, strengthen appreciation of the roles of traditional authorities and communities, and promote effective collaboration between communities, civil society and government institutions in mineral governance.

The programme ended with closing remarks and an evaluation session, with participants expected to apply the knowledge acquired to strengthen community participation and decision-making in mineral governance.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote responsible mineral governance while ensuring that the voices, rights and interests of communities are adequately considered in decisions affecting their environment and livelihoods.

Story by:Emmanuel Smart Amo (District Information Officer)