Community Perceptions of Mining: An Experience from Western Ghana

Using primarily qualitative methods, this study documents the complex relationships between three gold mining companies and their closest neighbouring communities in Western Ghana, to gain an understanding of the perceptions of local communities about mining projects. The study revealed that high community expectations of companies, differing company/community perceptions of what constitutes realistic versus unrealistic demands, companies dismissing and denying community grievances and perceived negative attributions, and ineffective government facilitation of company/community interactions, are sources of poor company/community relationships and hence, conflicts.