Abstracto

Assessment of the Socio-Economic Impact of Alternative Livelihood Programmes of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited on Selected Communities in Asutifi District, Ghana

Samuel OseiKwadwo, Prince Twum Barimah , Oppong David

The mining industry plays vital roles in the economy of Ghana. To ensure smooth and peaceful operations, mining companies need the support of catchment communities. This is done through employment and introduction of alternative livelihood programmes for people from such communities. This study seeks to assess socioeconomic impacts of alternative livelihood programmes of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited on some selected communities in Asutifi district, Ghana. The objectives of the study were to assess contributions of the programmes to employment and income generation, sustainability of the programmes and strategies used in the implementation process. Data was collected through questionnaire administration, key informants interviews and desk study. Majority of the respondents (92.5%) were interested in the programme. The study revealed that although there have been some form of employment (33.8%) and marginal improvement in income (18.8%) levels of participants, majority (66.2%) of respondents indicated that their expectations in terms of employment are yet to be met. It further revealed that the programmes weresustainable (50.0%) and also strategies used depend on types of programme and target objectives. It is recommended that participants must have access to micro-credits to enable them make use of skills acquired by establishing their own private businesses.