CSOs silence on GoldBod due to proper consultation - Steve Manteaw

Dr. Steve Manteaw is the Chairman of the Ghana Extractives Transparency Initiative. He explained why civil society organizations (CSOs) have been quiet about the GoldBod legislation.

He said the law's inclusive approach reduced opposition and controversy. When policymakers engage stakeholders, it fosters consensus and minimizes conflict.

Dr. Manteaw mentioned the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA) as another example of successful legislation with broad CSO support.

He noted that both PRMA and GoldBod processes show that citizen involvement leads to less acrimony in policy decisions.

For GoldBod, extensive consultations were held, including a session for CSOs. Key concerns like regulatory conflicts, transparency provisions, and legacy debt were discussed.

Consultations reached beyond Accra to major mining communities across Ghana. This marks a shift in Ghana’s democratic culture towards valuing citizen engagement.

“When leaders engage citizens, they hear all concerns,” he stated. “When they shut the door, conflicts arise.”

Dr. Manteaw acknowledged some individuals still have concerns about GoldBod. He encouraged them to express their grievances appropriately.

“If you have concerns, please address them at the former PMMC office in Accra,” he said. “You can also contact me through Messenger for assistance.”

He added that developing regulations and guidelines offers a chance to resolve lingering issues. He urged all stakeholders to contribute positively to national progress.