The Gyasehene and Administrator of the Apinto Divisional Stool, Dr Nana Kwao Adarkwa Bediako III, delivered a compelling address at the National Mining Dialogue 2026 in Accra, emphasizing the critical role of traditional authorities in safeguarding mining communities. The dialogue, organized by Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen and Semmis DS, underscored a growing concern regarding the current centralization of mining decision-making within government, a shift Dr Bediako III argued significantly weakened the traditional authority structure and exacerbated challenges facing mining communities across Ghana. He passionately advocated for a fundamental shift in how mining-related decisions are made, insisting on a collaborative approach involving all three parties – government, mining companies, and traditional authorities – recognizing the vital importance of community influence. This call comes amidst a series of challenges confronting mining communities, particularly highlighted by the Apinto Divisional Stool, which experienced a noticeable decline in local development following the shift in authority. Dr Bediako III stated, “The main problems we are facing in Ghana is the shift of authority from Nananom and centralising that power in government. Any further shift will compound the problem,” he said. He proposed that landowners be granted sufficient authority to influence decisions regarding land development and corporate social responsibility initiatives, specifically emphasizing the need for a three-way engagement. He cited Prestea, a major mining community in Ghana, as an exemplar of the neglect faced by mining communities by both government and mining companies, leading to a significant decline in local development and a feeling of abandonment. The Apinto Divisional Stool’s call for landowners to be given sufficient authority to influence decisions regarding developments and corporate social responsibility initiatives on their lands is a key point. He argued that corporate social responsibility must be redesigned to give mining communities greater ownership over projects and interventions implemented in their areas. Dr Bediako III stressed the need to own it and be responsible for what miners do on our land and what they try to do and what contribution they try to bring to our land,” he said. He further underscored the imperative for mining companies to respect host communities and ensure that their operations leave behind tangible and sustainable benefits after mineral resources are exhausted. The National Mining Dialogue 2026, a collaborative effort involving Asempa FM, Semmis DS, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, focused on ‘Rethinking the Social Licence to Operate’ – a crucial theme considering the impact of mining on communities. The livestream of the event, accessible on Asempa FM, showcases drivers demanding suspension of DVLA delinquency fees and action against police extortion, highlighting a pressing concern for the community’s stability. The discussion underscored a need for a more participatory governance model, emphasizing the importance of traditional authorities as a key component in ensuring equitable and sustainable development outcomes for mining communities in Ghana.” ]”tags”: [
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Source: Adom Online
