Introduction
The faculty of Law of the University of Ghana in collaboration with the University of Western Australia law School has introduced an executive short course in Mining Law and Policy to help enhance the development of Ghana’s mining sector. The first of the three short courses was held on the 7th of April to the 11th of April, 2014.The short courses which is under the auspices of the International Mining for Development center (IM4DC) with support from the Australian government is aimed at building the capacity of major stakeholders in the mining industry. To this end, the short course aims at equipping participants with the latest theories, concepts and frameworks in the field of mining law and policy.
Opening Ceremony
Launching the short course after the first session, the High Commissioner of Australia to Ghana Ms. Joanna Adamson stated that her country was pleased to be drawing on her countries mining experience and expertise to assist Ghana achieve sustainable and equitable development. The Minister of lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Alhaji Inusah Fuseini on the other hand retraced the history of the industry and stated that sustenance of the project would go a long way to contribute to Ghana’s goal of achieving sustainable development through mining. The Vice Chancellor (UG) Prof. Ernest Aryeetey reiterated the new direction of the University and was pleased that the law faculty was envisioning embarking on this course which would eventually lead to a master’s program.
Course Delivery/ Facilitation
Eight (8) faculty members from law, (UG) namely Prof. Kotey, Dr. Samuel Manteaw, Dr. Kweku Ainuson, Dr. Adbul Bassit, Dr. Poku Adusei, Mr Kissi Agyebeng, Mr. Godwin Djokoto and Dr. Peter Atupare as well as one faculty member from University of Western Australia Prof. Jill Howieson helped facilitate the sessions Participants drawn from the chieftaincy institutions, civil society organizations, mining industries, Judiciary and the Chamber of mines were immensely enthusiastic to have taken part in the first of the short courses and informed the facilitators how they thought this executive program was going to be of tremendous benefit to their work upon return. Among some of the testimonials from the participants are that “very insightful and good ground to share ideas and experience on mining law and policy” “Overall, the program was a good one and well organized. It gave opportunity to participants to learn firsthand on both the theory and industry practice of mining. This created the opportunity for clear indication of gaps in the law and practice. This I believe will set the tone for future review of the mining laws.” A few of the participants were overly busy and couldn’t devote all of their time attending the week’s course made sure that suitable replacements from their offices were available to attend. The sessions were more participatory than lecturing, which helped enhanced engagement by the participants. Feedback surveys were conducted at the end of each day as well as final day exit survey to help us collect and collate the participants understanding or otherwise of the course.