Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, has raised concerns over alleged widespread human rights abuses, environmental destruction and intimidation in mining-affected communities, calling on the government to take urgent action against illegal and unregulated mining.
He said communities across Ghana were losing farmlands, livelihoods and access to clean water, while residents who challenged mining activities faced threats, harassment and violence.
Mr Bosu cited cases in Ayensuano District in the Eastern Region, Kuntokrom near Dunkwa-on-Offin, Kenyasi No. 2, Nsuaem No. 1 and Patriensa in the Ashanti Region, where mining activities had allegedly destroyed cocoa farms, polluted water bodies, blocked access routes and displaced farmers.
In Ayensuano, residents of Kuano, Dome, Abobri and Akyensa reportedly resisted attempts by mining operators to enter community lands under a so-called “cooperative mining” arrangement allegedly facilitated by the District Chief Executive. Mr Bosu said the arrangement proceeded without the free, prior and informed consent of affected communities.
He also cited the destruction of farmers’ access routes at Kuntokrom, pollution of the Densu River at Kenyasi No. 2, and the discharge of mining wastewater into cocoa farms at Nsuaem No. 1.
At Patriensa, Mr Bosu said A Rocha Ghana had submitted a formal criminal complaint to the Konongo District Police Commander on September 29, 2026, requesting an urgent investigation into an incident in which a 61-year-old cocoa farmer was allegedly chased from her farm by a man wielding a cutlass.
He said the incident followed the alleged entry of miners onto her land without her consent and the destruction of portions of her cocoa farm.
Mr Bosu warned that the situation reflected a broader national problem involving land encroachment, water pollution, forced displacement, child labour and the exploitation of women and girls in mining communities.
He also highlighted concerns about mercury contamination and the associated health risks, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups.
Drawing on previous findings by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the United Nations and other organisations, he said human rights violations in mining communities were longstanding and required coordinated action by state institutions and mining companies.
He called on the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority to investigate illegal mining activities and enforce licensing, environmental protection and land reclamation requirements. He also urged the Ghana Police Service to investigate threats and attacks against residents and prosecute those found responsible.
Mr Bosu further called for abandoned mining pits to be reclaimed, damaged farmlands and polluted water sources to be restored and affected communities to receive fair compensation. He stressed that the free, prior and informed consent of communities must be respected before mining activities were undertaken on their lands.
He urged the government to adequately resource CHRAJ and the National Commission for Civic Education to investigate alleged violations and ensure access to justice for affected communities.
Through its Building Resilient and Active Communities in Extractive Landscapes in Ghana (BRACE) Project, A Rocha Ghana would continue documenting alleged abuses and supporting efforts to strengthen accountability and protect community rights, he said.
Mr Bosu encouraged individuals and communities affected by mining-related land encroachment, pollution, threats and destruction of livelihoods to report their experiences to the organisation.
He maintained that Ghana’s gold wealth should contribute to national development without undermining the rights, safety and livelihoods of mining-affected communities.
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