Challenges and opportunities of environmental policy implementation: Empirical evidence from Ghana's gold mining sector. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tuokuu, Francis Xavier Dery; Gruber, James S.; Idemudia, Uwafiokun; Kayira, Jean
• Is Part Of: Resources policy. Volume 59(2018)
• Page Start: 435
• Page End: 445
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Challenges and opportunities -- Environmental policies -- Implementing -- Gold mining -- Ghana; Mines and mineral resources -- Periodicals; Ressources minérales -- Périodiques; Ressources naturelles -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; 333.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2018.08.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4207

Abstract

Abstract: While a number of studies that have examined the nature and impact of gold mining in Ghana have often identified environmental degradation as a major consequence of resource extraction, limited efforts have so far been directed at exploring the challenges and opportunities facing the implementation of environmental policies within Ghana's gold mining sector. In addition, how the views of critical stakeholders can be harnessed to ensure the effective implementation of the current environmental policies in the gold mining sector has also received limited attention. Consequently, drawing on qualitative data that are complemented with the analysis of government policy documents, this study reveals that, lack of community participation, insufficient coordination among government institutions, inadequate personnel and logistics, and lack of political will are factors contributing to the ineffective implementation of environmental policies in Ghana's gold mining sector. The paper concludes by considering the theoretical and policy implication of its findings for effective environmental policy implementation in Ghana. Highlights: The gold mining industry has been a major contributor to Ghana's economy for the past three decades. The environmental ramifications of gold mining are also dire. Policy measures introduced to protect the environment are not effectively implemented. There is stakeholder dissonance in the implementation of environmental policies. We conclude the study by considering the theoretical and policy implications for future research.