Assessing the living conditions of mining-induced resettled persons: the case of Ahafo South resettlement communities, Ghana

This study examines the living conditions of mining-affected persons in the Ahafo South Mining Communities in Ghana using Cernea’s Impoverishment Risks and Reconstruction (IRR) model. Employing a case study design, data for the study was obtained through a combination of semi-structured interviews and close-ended questionnaires administered to ninety (90) respondents in the Ntotroso and OLA resettlement communities in the Asutifi North District, Ghana. The results show a complex mix of outcomes of mining-induced displacement and resettlement of the resettled population. While an analysis of resettlement impacts found a high level of satisfaction among the resettled population with housing provision, road network, electricity supply, and accessible educational and health facilities, there was evidence of landlessness and joblessness among the resettled population culminating in economic hardship in the resettlement communities. To improve the outcomes of mining-induced resettlements, it is recommended that provisions be made for sustainable alternative jobs and alternative lands for farming and other land-based activities.