Corporate Social Responsibility Activities of Mining Companies: The Views of the Local Communities in Ghana

Abstract

Mining companies in Ghana seem to have responded somehow over the years to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) call but some still face open resistance from members of the communities who see them (mining companies) as socially irresponsible. The research sought to unearth the views and concerns of the local communities about the CSR activities of mining companies in the Ashanti, Eastern and Western regions of Ghana. The sample was drawn from the catchment communities of gold mining companies who had commercial membership, level A, with the Ghana Chamber of mines. The research established that there was indeed the existence of some health, education, community aid, and livelihood related CSR activities in the communities. The research revealed that most people, especially, in the Eastern region and the Western region had concerns about the lack of frequent medical screening by the mining companies. They are of the view that the operations of the mining companies have a negative effect on them (local community). The research concluded with some recommendations on how local community concerns could be addressed.