The politics of mineral extraction: Ghana's Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Sector in perspective

Project description

This research project explores the governance of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) in Ghana by studying how informal institutions, local political dynamics, and international norms shape formal state authority and governance frameworks. The project comprises three interconnected studies. The first study explores how mining communities self-govern their resources through collective action and examines how these practices influence institutional change at the national level. It also analyses electoral rhetoric by Ghana’s two major political parties to uncover the impact of political discourse on the state’s capacity to regulate ASM.

The second study focuses on the role of Ghana’s judiciary in ASM governance, analysing patterns of enforcement and prosecution in illegal mining cases from 1992 to the present. By highlighting the influence of corruption and judicial independence, this study offers insights into systemic challenges in enforcing mining laws.

The third study examines the diffusion of international norms, focusing on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and its application in Ghana’s ASM sector. It studies how the political sensitivities surrounding ASM shape the adoption of EITI policies, emphasising the interactions between state actors, political and business elites, and civil society. By integrating local, national, and international perspectives, this research offers a holistic understanding of ASM governance in Ghana and the implications of natural resource governance on global politics.