Stakeholder Engagement for Responsible Mining in Ghana's Bono Region

Strategic Insights -

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) organized stakeholder engagement meetings with communities within the catchment areas of Jegri Bekala Limited's mining concession in Ghana's Bono Region. The meetings aimed to discuss the environmental, social, and economic implications of mining activities and gather inputs from participants. The engagement was part of the process for acquiring an environmental permit for the mine to commence operation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EPA organized stakeholder engagement meetings with communities within the catchment areas of Jegri Bekala Limited's mining concession in the Bono Region.
  • The meetings aimed to discuss the environmental, social, and economic implications of mining activities and gather inputs from participants.
  • The company, Jegri Bekala Limited, assured participants that it would adopt responsible mining practices, including the strip modified mining method to reclaim land and decommission mining sites.
  • The mining concession covers 63.7 square kilometres, with the Amasu area having the largest concession.
  • The company has had engagements with traditional authorities and is committed to implementing alternative livelihood enhancement programmes, such as soap making and grass cutter rearing.
  • A senior lecturer from the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) called for the constitution of a committee, inclusive of legal practitioners and agriculture experts, to assist in the evaluation of affected farmlands and individual properties for compensation.
  • The company has submitted a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the EPA and has assured that it will be transparent and accountable in its operations.
  • The traditional leaders in the area are ready to deepen collaboration with the EPA and the company to ensure responsible mining practices.

Statistics:

  • The mining concession covers 63.7 square kilometres.
  • The Amasu area has the largest concession within the mining site.
  • The company has engaged with traditional authorities and is committed to implementing alternative livelihood enhancement programmes.
  • The Napiele Birikanko community, one of the affected communities, requires 1,800 hectares of land for agriculture and will be compensated for its loss.

Sources:

  • Ghana News Agency, "Environmental Protection Authority organises stakeholder's engagement in Bono Region", August 21, 2025.
  • Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 (LI 1652)
  • Environmental Assessment Procedure, (no date)