REPUBLIC OF GHANA MINISTRY OF LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES GHANA LANDSCAPE RESTORATION AND SMALL-SCALE MINING PROJECT (P171933) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR THE RENOVATION OF PRESTEA MINERALS COMMISSION OFFICE FACILITY June, 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................................................... III EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................IV CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1 CHAPTER TWO: DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT DISTRICT AND PROJECT INTERVENTION ....... 2 Spatial Needs ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Amenities ...................................................................................................................................................... 4 Project Description and Related Activities ................................................................................................ 4 External Works ............................................................................................................................................. 7 Construction Period ..................................................................................................................................... 8 CHAPTER THREE: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS ................................................. 9 CHAPTER FOUR: APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK............................................................................................................. 11 Environmental Approvals and Permits Needed for Construction of the Prestea Office ................... 11 Environmental Quality Standards ............................................................................................................ 12 World Bank Environmental and Social Framework and Standards ..................................................... 14 CHAPTER FIVE: STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION .................................. 15 Stakeholder Consultation .......................................................................................................................... 15 Consultations during the Screening Process .......................................................................................... 15 Consultation with District Government Agencies .................................................................................. 15 Verification of the Suggested Mitigation Measures ............................................................................... 16 Disclosure ................................................................................................................................................... 16 CHAPTER SIX: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF THE OFFICE FACILITY ........... 17 Areas of Influence ..................................................................................................................................... 17 Environmental Receptors .......................................................................................................................... 17 Socio-economic Receptors ....................................................................................................................... 17 Influence of institutions and organisations ............................................................................................ 17 Specific Project Activities of Environmental and Social Concerns ....................................................... 17 Pre-Construction (Negative Impacts) ....................................................................................................... 18 Construction ............................................................................................................................................... 18 Social Impacts ............................................................................................................................................ 20 CHAPTER SEVEN: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATIONS ............................................. 22 Environmental and Social Mitigation ....................................................................................................... 22 CHAPTER EIGHT: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PLAN ................................... 27 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan ............................................................................................. 27 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan ....................................................................................... 28 CHAPTER NINE: GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM .................................................................... 31 Grievance Redress Mechanism for the Prestea Office Facility ............................................................ 31 Financing ..................................................................................................................................................... 33 CHAPTER TEN: PERSONNEL AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT FOR THE ESMP IMPLEMENTATION................................................................................................................................... 34 Implementing Institutions ........................................................................................................................ 34 i Implementation Arrangement .................................................................................................................. 34 Personnel and Capacity for Implementation of the ESMP ................................................................... 34 Estimated Cost for the ESMP Implementation ...................................................................................... 34 REFERENCE ................................................................................................................................................ 36 ANNEXES .................................................................................................................................................... 37 Annex 1: Screening Report for the Prestea Office Facility .................................................................. 37 Annex 2: Evidence of Stakeholder Consultations .................................................................................. 45 Annex 3: Communities represented within Prestea Office Enclave .................................................... 45 Annex 4: Collated E&S views from respondents during the screening process ............................... 46 Annex 5: Contact Details of District Safeguards Focal Person at MinCom Office at Prestea.......... 46 Annex 6: Template for Semi-Annual Environmental and Social Reporting as enshrined in the ESMF ............................................................................................................................................................ 46 Annex 7: Complaints Submission Form as captured in the ESMF ...................................................... 48 Annex 8: Grievance Register from the ESMF ........................................................................................ 53 List of Tables TABLE 1: POLICIES AND STANDARDS ....................................................................................................................... 11 TABLE 2: REQUIREMENTS FOR AMBIENT NOISE CONTROL ........................................................................................ 12 TABLE 3: REQUIREMENTS FOR AMBIENT AIR QUALITY – MAXIMUM LIMIT FOR 24 HOURS......................................... 13 TABLE 4: REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFLUENT DISCHARGE .............................................................................................. 13 TABLE 5: WORLD BANK ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL STANDARDS RELEVANT TO THE PROJECT ............................... 14 TABLE 6: MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE PRESTEA OFFICE FACILITY ..................................................................... 23 TABLE 7: MONITORING PLAN .................................................................................................................................. 29 TABLE 8: RESOLUTION ACTIONS AND TIMELINES FOR GLRSSP & AEHPMP GRM ................................................... 32 TABLE 9: BUDGET FOR IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................................................. 34 ii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ASM Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining C-ESMP Contractor’s Environment and Social Management Plan DOVSU Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit ESMF Environment and Social Management Framework ESMP Environment and Social Management Plan E&S Environment and Social ESS Environmental Safeguard Standards EMP Environmental Management Plan EPA Environmental Protection Agency GoG Government of Ghana GLRSSMP Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project MCAS Mining Cadastre Administration System MLNR Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources MMDAs Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies NADMO National Disaster Management Organisation PCU Project Coordinating Unit PESMP Preliminary Environmental and Social Management Plan PAMABs Protected Area Management Advisory Board PPE Personal Protective Equipment TCO Technical Coordinating Officers SSM Small Scale Mining SEA/SH Sexual Exploitation and Abuse/ Sexual Harassment WMT District Watershed Management Team iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background As part of Ghana's initiative to formalize the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) subsector, the World Bank-funded Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Min- ing Project (GLRSSMP) became effective in February 2022 to support and improve Governance in Sustainable ASM. This initiative aims to strengthen the ASM regulatory framework by modernizing regulatory instruments and enhancing the capacities of key government agencies involved in ASM regulation and compliance monitoring. In accordance with its mandate, the Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) for the GLRSSMP collaborated closely with the Minerals Commission (MinCom) to approve the renova- tion and refurbishment of its Prestea office facility. The renovation project is part of the efforts to strengthen regulatory agencies and provide support to improve service delivery to prospective clients in the mining sector, particularly in the small-scale sub- sector. This facility is one (1) of five (5) offices of the Minerals Commission that have been approved for renovation and refurbishment. The Minerals Commission Office in Prestea is located in the residential enclave of the Golden Star Mine Limited. The property is owned by the Minerals Commission and includes one building with a total gross floor area of about 137 square meters. The contractor will need twelve months to complete the renovation works. Conditions of Proposed works on the existing building Roof: The roof of the building facility is in bad condition, showing signs of leakages, and a visibly sagging roof. In this state, it does not provide adequate protection to the interior of the building. Based on assessments conducted by the Supervising Engineer for the proposed renovation, a complete replacement of the roof is advised. Floor: The wooden floor of the building structure is also in poor condition, with rotten wood that poses safety risks. There is a need for replacement with concrete floor and tiles to ensure a stable and functional floor, based on the recommendations of the Supervising Engineer. Windows and Flush Doors: The windows are broken, improperly sealed, allowing noise infiltration and for water to leak in. The flush doors are outdated, damaged, or not functioning correctly. They have loose hinges, broken frames, or compromised locking mechanisms, undermining both security and privacy. The lack of proper insu- lation adversely affects energy efficiency, comfort, and security. The renovation work will involve removing the existing windows and doors and replacing them with new ones that are energy-efficient and aesthetically fit for purpose. Painting and Aesthetics: The buildings paintwork has deteriorated, giving it a worn and bad appearance. iv Fittings and Fixtures: The lighting system is poorly installed with insufficient illumi- nation and poorly placed or malfunctioning fitting and fixture such as fans, air condi- tioners and dimly lit areas, compromising safety, productivity, and overall comfort within the building. The lighting fixtures will have to be reinstalled to provide sufficient visibility and create a welcoming ambiance. Washroom and Plumbing System: The washrooms suffer from poor maintenance, outdated fixtures, or plumbing issues. The washrooms in the building require an over- haul, particularly the sinks and WC (water closet). The existing fixtures will be removed and replaced with new, modern, and efficient fixtures that are water-saving and pro- vide a comfortable and hygienic experience. Internal Walls: The Supervising Engineer’s assessments revealed that some of the internal walls of the property have structural defects such as cracks and would there- fore have to be reconstructed. A reconstruction of these walls will also afford a re- arrangement of some internal partition walls in accordance with the new space designs of the facility. This involves carefully demolishing the designated sections, addressing the underlying issues, such as cracks, and rebuilding the walls using suitable construc- tion materials such blocks. Pavement and Drainage: The surroundings of the building will be constructed with environmentally friendly materials for pavement to provide a smooth and even surface for pedestrian movement to prevent safety hazards, such as tripping risks and poten- tial water accumulation during rainfall, leading to inconvenience and structural dam- age. The surroundings will be well-designed with provision for an efficient drainage system to prevent water pooling and ensure proper water run-off during and after rainfall. This includes provision of sized drains, gutters, to efficiently channel the wa- ter. Aesthetics and Parking: The building's overall aesthetics are lacking, with a worn- out appearance that fails to make a positive impression. Additionally, the parking space is limited, and cannot accommodate the needs of staff and visitors who will be visiting the facility for various services. Parking space for ten (10) vehicles will be provided to accommodate the anticipated parking needs. Additionally, consideration will be given to accessibility, ensuring designated spaces for disabled individuals and well-defined pathways connecting the parking area to the building entrances. Considering the overall state of building, the Supervising Engineer has recommended an extensive renovation to be done to restore the building’s functionality, aesthetics, and guarantee its safety for use. Addressing each area of concern through repairs, replacements, and upgrades will provide a more pleasant and efficient environment for occupants and visitors, as well as ensure the long-term use of the building. The estimated total cost of the proposed renovation works stands at GHC 1,993,350.95 (USD138,000). The renovation will be completed in twelve (12) months. v This Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been prepared to guide the renovation works and operations of the office facility based on the procedures outlined in the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) following the screening exercise carried out, the identification of potential Environmental and Social (E&S) risks and impacts, and the instruments required. The approved ESMF for the entire GLRSSMP provides guidance for an ESMP of the office renovation, such as potential impacts, mitigation measures, implementation ar- rangements, grievance redress mechanism, monitoring arrangements and budgets for all sub-project related environmental and social issues. This ESMP adopts the provi- sions and guidance of the Bank-approved ESMF to address the site- and intervention- specific E&S requirements of the renovation for the Prestea office facility. The specific objectives of the ESMP are to: - Establish clear procedures and methodologies for the identification of potential environmental and social impacts, review, approval, and implementation of in- terventions. - Provide mitigation measures for potential impacts of activities being imple- mented as part of the renovation exercise. - Specify appropriate roles and responsibilities, and outline the required reporting procedures, for managing and monitoring environmental and social concerns related to the renovation exercise. - Determine the training, capacity building, and technical assistance required to successfully implement the provisions of the ESMP; provide practical infor- mation on the resources required to implement the ESMP. - Provide input to the bidding documents and obtain necessary regulatory ap- proval from the relevant institutions, as required. Key policy guidance documents and manuals that supported preparation of this ESMP include the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, the ESMF for GLRSSMP, the National Climate Policy, and a screening report for the office facility. The Project Coordination Unit will be primarily responsible for ensuring the implementation of the ESMP (through inclusion in the bidding documents, project management and con- struction supervision). E&S staff from the PCU and the Supervising Engineer are re- sponsible for implementing the mitigation and monitoring measures. The plan was developed through comprehensive consultation and participation of stakeholders to identify potential impacts. It included consultations during the screen- ing of the office renovation sub-project, consultations with key government agencies in Prestea during the drafting of the Plan, validation of the proposed mitigation measures with the District Office of the Minerals Commission and a report from the supervising engineer for the renovation works. The scale of the proposed rehabilitation works is minor. The proposed works will be carried out within residential area of Golden Star Mine Limited, and includes the re- placement of existing floor, roof, ceiling, windows, doors and electrical wiring; and vi installing partitions, plumbing fixtures, air conditioning, and electrical fixtures. The scale of potential E&S impacts and risks associated with these activities are expected to be ‘low’. The matrix below details the potential environmental, social, health, and safety con- cerns throughout the project cycle. These were recorded through the participatory engagements with stakeholders. vii Potential Impact Mitigation Measures How to Verify Responsibility Monitoring Receptor Pre-Construction Impacts Disregard for Environ- Ensure that environmental and social Issues are incor- Using the bidding Docu- PCU Review of the bidding doc- Neighbors/workers mental and Social Issues porated into the bidding documents ments uments in the Bidding Documents Impacts from the building Enhance building designs to avoid any health and Building designs and PCU Review of building de- Neighbors/workers Designs. safety impacts drawings signs, Random site inspec- tions Lack of Universal Access Universal access, such as disabled-friendly facilities Inspection of building de- Contractor Review of building designs Neighbors/workers (ramps and toilets) should be provided signs Timing of Construction Major works can be done from 6am to 6pm during Inspection of Work Contractor Review of C-ESMP Neighbors within Activities weekdays and outside office hours Schedules. the vicinity Grievance Redress Mecha- nism Temporary Accommoda- Accommodation will be provided for security personnel Contractor Review of C-ESMP Neighbors within tion for Workers/Materials on site. Presence of Workers’ ac- Facility Inspections the vicinity A shed will be provided on site to store building materi- commodation als Presence of storage site Potential air, water and Clearing and cleaning of the site is done under strict Control mechanisms Contractor/Mincom Review of C-ESMP Neighbors within soil pollution from clearing regulation to prevent air, water and soil pollution. the vicinity activities Exhaust fumes from ma- Regulate movement of vehicles to the site by the re- Vehicle movement plan Contractor/Mincom Review of C-ESMP Neighbors within chines and vehicles move- quired speed limits. the vicinity ment Construction Impacts Ambient Air To keep dust from blowing, cover truck loads with can- Journey Management Plan Contractor Random truck inspection Neighbors within vas including cement dust by carefully handling and the vicinity working under moist conditions Make sure that vehicles transporting building materials Driver Training Records Contractor Impromptu checks Neighbors within to site abide by the traffic regulations and the required the vicinity/ Workers speed limits. viii Make sure the stockpiles of things that can be moved No extensive dust blow Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors within are managed well so that there is less blow dust. Cau- the vicinity/ Workers tion when moving materials also when unloading easily broken things, keep drop heights to a minimum. Noise, and Vibrations Noise and vibration im- During weekdays, work can be done within the hours Grievance Recorded Contractor Random site inspection, Neighbors/workers pact at the constructionof 6am to 6pm. The contractor is recommended to Review of filed grievances, sites work primarily on weekdays since the area is within a review of timesheets of residential area. workers Use the latest technology and limit the number of ma- Type of machine used/ Contractor Spot checks, Review of Neighbors/workers chines that can be used at the same time. Grievance Mechanism filed grievances Use modern, well-kept equipment (e. g. use of silenc- Technical Specification Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers ers). Sheet Use hearing protection for workers who work in noisy Protective hearing equip- Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers environments. ment available and used. Community, Occupational Health, and Safety Community, Occupational Given that about twenty-five (25) local people will be Training performed and Contractor Check Training modules Neighbors/workers Health, and Safety employed during construction phase the workers will be recorded and records trained in health and safety (including skilled and un- skilled). Place a first-aid kit at the project site. Provide First Aid Kit for Contractor Random site inspection to Neighbors/workers workers check availability and ex- piry date of first-aid kit Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as hard PPE used on-site by work- Contractor Random site inspection to Neighbors/workers hats, boots, reflector jackets, goggles, nose masks, and ers. check availability and us- ear plugs, should be worn by workers. age Keep the place clean to a high standard. Good housekeeping on- Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers site Ensure that the construction site is fenced. First Aid Kit provided at Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers site and Visitors book available Fire Prevention As required by law, make sure there are approved fire Fire prevention equipment Contractor Regular site inspection Neighbors/workers extinguishers on site. in place Labour Issues (Reference Make sure workers have access to and know about the Grievance Mechanism in PCU/ Contractor Knowledge and availabil- Neighbors/workers Labour Management Plan way to file a complaint. place ity of grievance register of the Project) and grievances recorded ix Ensure that the minimum legal labor standards set by Grievance Mechanism Contractor Inspection reports (also Neighbors/workers the ILO and Labour Act are met. These standards in- Records, from labour authorities), clude no child or forced labor, no discrimination, fair Training recorded Review of grievance regis- working hours, and minimum wages. ter and training record Give workers clean and adequate facilities, and make Appropriate facilities in Contractor confirm before commence- Neighbors/workers sure that toilets and changing rooms are separate for place ment of works men and women. Ensure that the employees have access to primary Healthcare available in Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers health care on site and those prescriptions can be the town filled. Soil and Groundwater Environmental contamina- Make sure that construction wastewater, including sani- Water disposal compliant Contractor/Mincom Random site inspection Neighbors/workers tion/ spills tary water, is disposed appropriately. with legal requirements Make sure that any spills as such as paint and associ- Workers trained. Contractor/ PCU Random site inspection Neighbors/workers ated reagent are cleaned up right away. One-time inspection after construction Best practice of Managing Acquire building materials such as sand and gravel License/permit of opera- Contractor/Mincom Random site inspection Community mem- building materials (e.g. from licensed quarry and burrow pit operators only tor bers Sand and gravel) After construction is done, the work area will be put Reinstatement completed Contractor/ PCU One-time inspection after Community Mem- back together as well as possible. construction bers Waste (Solid and Liquid) Toilet facility There should be toilets on the job site for the workers. Area of convenience Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers Waste Management Two trash bins should be set up for solid and liquid No littering Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers waste disposal. Household waste should be taken to an approved landfill. Manage the disposal of Asbestos for Roofing activities to ensure the safety of workers and compliance with regulations by using specially trained personnel. Water and Hydrology Surface Water Quality Contractors should provide water for construction activ- Water harvesting con- Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers ities or harvest rainwater any time it rains during the ducted construction period to avoid stress on the community water resource. Reuse wastewater whenever possible. Wastewater reused Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers Socio-Economic Issues x Stakeholder Engagement Effective engagement with communities, and participa- Minutes of Meetings PCU/ Contractor Review of grievance regis- Neighbors/workers and Grievance Redress tory and engaging meetings. Grievance Redress Mecha- ter Mechanism Ensure regular meetings with the local assembly and nism communities to discuss progress of construction work. Inform stakeholders of the existing Grievance Redress Grievance Mechanism in PCU/ Contractor Review of grievance regis- Neighbors/workers Mechanism so that people who might be affected by place, grievances rec- ter the Project can voice their concerns about it. orded Local Employment & Pro- Make sure that, when possible, goods and services for Local Procurement and Contractor/Mincom Review procurement and Neighbors/workers curement the Project and Project staff are supplied by the local Employment Records employment rules and rec- community. ords Communicable Diseases Ensure that all contractors follow the codes of conduct Communicable Diseases Contractor Review of diseases regis- Neighbors/workers for employment and code of ethics. This includes, but Register ter and is not limited to, safety rules, zero tolerance for sub- disease prevention pro- stance abuse, environmental sensitivity of the area, gramme if available. dangers of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, gender equality and sexual harassment, re- spect for the beliefs and customs of the people and community relations in general. Operational Impacts Waste Generation Waste bins of adequate number and sizes should be Disposal containers avail- Contractor/Mincom Review of grievance regis- Neighbors/workers provided to collect recyclable and other waste sepa- able/Grievance Mecha- ter/Random Site Inspec- rately. nism tion Drinking water and sani- Maintenance of drinking water and sanitation facilities Safe drinking water and MinCom Review of grievance regis- Neighbors/workers tation facilities clean toilets ter/ Random Site Inspec- tion xi The Plan will be disclosed at the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly, with hard copies available at the District Office at Prestea of the Minerals Commission and GLRSSMP implementing agencies as well as the Prestea Community. Electronic copies will be posted on the websites of the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources as well as the World Bank website. xii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION This section describes the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the pre-construction, construction, and operation of the Prestea office facility. It describes the rationale for preparing the ESMP and its objectives. It also forms the background for subsequent chapters and for the provisions required to accomplish the sub-pro- ject's objective in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. Background As part of Ghana's initiative to formalize the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sub-sector, the World Bank-funded Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (GLRSSMP) became effective in February 2022 to support and improve Governance in Sustainable ASM. This initiative aims to strengthen the ASM regulatory framework by modernizing regulatory instruments and enhancing the capacity of key government agencies. The purpose of this ESMP is to provide guidance including incorporating E&S consid- erations into building designs for the renovation of the Minerals Commission offices at Prestea; to identify the impacts; and to provide mitigation measures commensurate with those impacts, as well as make provisions for the implementation and monitoring of this Plan. The specific objectives of the ESMP are to: - Establish clear procedures and methodologies for the identification of potential environmental and social impacts, review, approval, and implementation of in- terventions. - Provide mitigation measures for potential impacts of activities being imple- mented as part of the renovation exercise. - Specify appropriate roles and responsibilities, and outline the required reporting procedures, for managing and monitoring environmental and social concerns related to the renovation exercise. - Determine the training, capacity building, and technical assistance required to successfully implement the provisions of the ESMP; provide practical infor- mation on the resources required to implement the ESMP. - Provide input to the bidding documents and obtain necessary regulatory ap- proval from the relevant institutions, if required. The Minerals Commission has 18 satellite offices, 13 district offices, and 5 regional offices located throughout the country. Part of the GLRSSMP development objective is to strengthen regulatory agencies and provide support to improve service delivery to prospective clients in the mining sector, particularly in the small-scale sub-sector. The Prestea office is one (1) of eight (8) offices of the Minerals Commission that have been earmarked for renovation and refurbishment under this project. However, due to ownership documentation difficulties, the Bank has currently approved the renova- tion of five office facilities for which tenancy or land title documentation has been obtained and reviewed by the World Bank team. 1 CHAPTER TWO: DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT DISTRICT AND PROJECT IN- TERVENTION This chapter discusses the renovation's context, justification, and anticipated key ac- tivities. It concentrates on the profile of the office facility undergoing renovation. It examines the role of the district mining office in the implementation of the ESMP and provides a detailed description of the renovation activities. These premises, which formerly belonged to the State Gold Mining Company (SGMC) in Prestea, is now owned by the Minerals Commission. The structure is on stilts and forms part of a few similar structures. The total floor area is approximately 137 square meters. The external boundaries are not defined. The site is elevated from the access road. The building slated for renovation is currently vacant. The electrical wiring is old and a potentially hazardous source of shocks and electric fire. The wooden floor is in a bad state. Additionally, the suspended timber floor would have to be reconstructed as reinforced concrete floor with new finishes. New columns and other structural ele- ments needed would be designed and constructed. The windows are antique and lou- vered. Also absent is a flyscreen. The ceiling is plywood that has been painted. The ceiling fans are old and not functioning properly. The current installed doors are flush and poorly painted. The current restroom facility is in a deplorable state. Separate sanitary facilities would be designed and installed for male and female staff. The struc- ture would require re-roofing with new ceiling works. 2 Figure 1 Photos of back and front views of the Prestea building Location of Prestea Office Facility in the Western Region GPS coordinates: 5° 25' 45.53.0" N, 2° 8' 12.08" W, Prestea-Huni Valley Municipal Assembly Figure 2 Location of the Office relative to the Golden Star Mine 3 Spatial Needs The new layout will have offices for managers, mine wardens, a secretary, and other supporting staff. It is recommended that provision for ten (10) staff strength should be considered for the design of the office. The renovated office will also have a water storage facility to back up the municipal water supply. An overhead water storage tank will be installed as part of the renovation works and the kitchenette. Amenities The current external lighting system will undergo significant improvements as part of the upcoming renovations. This will involve upgrading the existing lighting fixtures to more energy-efficient models, which will not only enhance the overall visibility and safety of the area but also contribute to reducing energy consumption and costs in the long run. Additionally, a new generator will be installed to provide backup power in case of any disruptions to the national grid, ensuring continuous operation of the lighting system and maintaining a secure environment for all residents and visitors. Project Description and Related Activities The renovation of the office space will include the following activities. I. Replacement of roof, windows and doors (new roofing for entire structure, plas- terboard ceiling to be used for all spaces), The renovation will involve a complete replacement of the roof, windows, and doors of the building. A new roofing system will be installed to ensure the structure is protected from the elements of weather. Additionally, plasterboard ceilings will be used in all areas of the building to provide a clean and uniform finish. The windows will be fully glazed, and the doors will be glass panel wooden doors. This choice of finishing will not only improve the aesthetics of the building but also enhance its functionality and energy efficiency. II. Floor repairs (defective timber floor to be replaced with reinforced concrete and tile finish – semi polished tiles to be used; demolish and reconstruct with con- crete floors and sandcrete block), The floor repairs involve replacing a defective timber floor with a reinforced concrete slab and finishing it with semi-polished tiles. The process includes demolishing the existing floor and reconstructing it with concrete floors and sandcrete blocks. The choice of semi-polished tiles is based on the fact that their slightly textured surface can provide better traction and slip resistance. This makes them a safer option in terms of reducing the risk of slips and falls, aside its lower cost and environmentally friendlier nature, as compared to polished tiles. The reinforced concrete slab will provide structural integrity and support. III. Construction of new walls and new glazed partition The renovation will involve the building of some new walls and the installation of new glazed partitions to separate spaces within the structure. The walls will be carefully constructed using high-quality sancrete blocks to ensure durability and a seamless finish. Similarly, the glazed partitions will be designed to allow natural light to flow through while still providing privacy and division between different internal spaces. IV. Electrical rewiring, Electrical systems deteriorate over time due to factors such as aging, wear and tear, and exposure to environmental conditions. Thus, a rewiring will ensure that the electrical wiring is 4 in good condition and reduces the risk of electrical hazards such as short circuits, electrical fires, or electrocution. Also, the rewiring will offer an opportunity to improve the electrical layout and organization within the facility, and will involve relocating outlets, adding new cir- cuits, or installing additional electrical points to accommodate the changes in the space layout and needs. The estimated total length of rewiring to be done is 5000m. V. Plumbing works The plumbing works in facility will involve various tasks related to the installation, repair, or modification of the plumbing system, including the following: (a) Water supply system: This will involve installing or relocating water supply lines to fixtures such as sinks, and toilets. It will also involve extending and rerouting existing pipes to accommodate changes in the layout of spaces in the facility. (b) Drainage system: The drainage system deals with the removal of wastewater from fixtures and appliances. The plumbing works will involve installing and modifying drain- pipes, vents, and traps to ensure proper drainage and prevent clogs or sewer gas leaks. Again, this will include connecting new fixtures or rerouting existing drain lines to accommodate changes in the layout. (c) Fixture installation: this will installing new plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets and faucets. This includes connecting them to the water supply and drainage systems, ensuring proper functioning and leak-free operation. Overall, the renovation provides an opportunity to upgrade the plumbing system to modern standards or to improve its efficiency. This can include replacing outdated pipes with newer materials (e.g., copper pipes), upgrading fixtures to more water-efficient models, or installing water-saving devices such as low-flow toilets or aerators. The estimated total length of plumbing to be done is 2000m. VI. Finishing and aesthetic works, When it comes to completing the renovation works, the finishing and aesthetics works are crucial aspects that must be carefully considered. These final touches can greatly impact the overall appearance and functionality of the end result. From painting and polishing to adding decorative elements, attention to detail in these areas can make a significant difference in the overall quality of the work. VII. Pavement and provision of parking area. Part of the renovation works will involve laying new pavement in the designated areas and creating additional parking spaces for vehicles. This will improve the infrastructure and accessibility of the location, making it more convenient for visitors and residents to park their cars. The figures below indicate the composite plan and 3D drawing images of the of the proposed Prestea office facility. 5 Figure 3 Composite Plan of the proposed Prestea office facility 6 Figure 4 3D drawing images of the proposed Prestea office facility External Works A boundary will be established around the office facility. This will be made up of block work with a metal fence atop, as shown in the 3D images labeled as shown in Figure 3 above. There will also be a reconstruction of the septic tank. The parking area will be redesigned and appropriately finished. Designs and drawings of the Prestea office space The current building is vacant; however, the Minerals Commission as part of the man- date has fully staffed the district office at Prestea to monitor and regulate ASM oper- ations in a different office space until renovation works are completed. Figures 2 and 3 show the composite plan and 3D drawing images of how the Prestea facility will look on completion of the proposed renovation. 7 Construction Period The contractor will take twelve months to finish the entire renovation works. It is estimated that the handover of the facility will be done at the end of the eighth month, while four months will serve as the defects liability period. 8 CHAPTER THREE: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS Chapter three describes the environmental and social context of the Project Site. It describes the current situation in order to assess the potential effects of the planned activities on the environment and socioeconomic life of residents of the Prestea town. The general environmental and social baseline information from Prestea, highlighted in the screening report and the structural designs and budget from the supervising engineer, were used to develop the Environmental and Social Management Plan. Water Resources The main sources of water in the area consist of subterranean aquifers and surface runoff. There are no rivers in close proximity to the location. Water utilized for mining activities is derived from excavated pits and underground water discharged from shafts. There are illegal artisanal mining operations taking place within the area. Miners were operating in an extremely dangerous environment with very high levels of exposure to heavy metals. The pits usually have to be dewatered to allow the miners to get to the gravel, which is at varying depths. Soils Soils of the Bekwai-Nzima/Oda associations occur in a definite topographical se- quence. On the summits, upper and middle slopes there is red, well-drained soil (Bek- wai series). The brown, moderately well drained Nzima series occurs in situ, developed as concretionary silty clay loams. Soil on the middle slopes consist of brown to yellow brown imperfectly drained silty clays and silty loams. The Kokofu series developed from colluvium or hill wash material. The valley bottoms are underlain by grey poorly drained alluvial sand (Temang series) and clay (Oda series). There is a significant degree of soil erosion and degradation caused by the illegal mining operations in the area. Noise and Air Pollution The only source of sound in the area originates from machinery used for Artisanal Small Scale Mining (ASSM) activities and vehicular traffic. Occasionally, noise disrup- tions may occur due to community gatherings or funeral services. Illegal miners con- duct l small-scale underground blasting, which may contribute to noise pollution. Ad- ditionally, the use of small crushers and water pumps could also affect noise levels in the area. Dust emissions from the machinery operated by small-scale miners are the primary source of air pollution, leading to poor air quality resulting from artisanal small-scale operations. Environmental Health 9 The predominant disease vector in the area is mosquitoes, which transmit malaria as well as microorganisms harboring bacteria and viruses that have the potential to im- pact humans, animals, and plants. Waste Mining waste is a significant issue in the area. Ore is taken from mines to processing sites for extraction of gold. Overburden is pushed aside. Pits can be up to 10m deep, producing large amounts of waste that are never treated. Socio-economic Profiling of Prestea Data from the 2021 census shows that Prestea has a population of 229,301, with 117,744 males and 111,557 females1. Sources from the Minerals Commission indicate that about 40, 000 of the total population is engaged in Artisanal Small Scale Mining activities and related businesses in Prestea and its environs. This translates to about 17% of people engaging in ASM. This means that the majority of the community members are involved in mining operations on a small scale, using traditional methods and tools to extract minerals from the earth. These activities play a significant role in the local economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the liveli- hoods of the people in the area. Despite the challenges and risks associated with artisanal mining, it remains a crucial source of income for many individuals and fami- lies in Prestea. It is essential to support and regulate these activities to ensure sus- tainable practices and the well-being of the community members involved. The Minerals Commission (MinCom) District Office in Prestea serves 13 communities, (see Annex 3). The renovation of the Prestea facility will improve service delivery to prospective clients of MinCom within those communities. Screening Report The screening report provided in Annex 1 is an important document that outlines the environmental and social conditions of the site where the office renovation will take place. It is a foundation for understanding the current state of the surroundings and the potential impact of the renovation project. The subsequent chapters of the report are dedicated to pinpointing and addressing any environmental and social risks that may arise during the renovation and refurbishment process. The risks are analysed and managed to ensure the project is carried out in a sustainable and responsible manner, taking into consideration the well-being of the environment and the commu- nity. 10 CHAPTER FOUR: APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK This chapter discusses the applicable national policies, programs, legislation, and the permitting requirements for the office renovation at the local government level. Table 1 describes the significance of the various policies related to the renovation exercise. Environmental Approvals and Permits Needed for Construction of the Prestea Office The environmental approvals and permits required for the construction of the Pres- tea Office include: • Approval of the designs and drawings by the Municipal Assembly • Fire permit from the Ghana National Fire Service • Issuance of building permit by the Municipal Assembly • Certificate of occupancy Table 1: Policies and Standards Legal/Policy/Standard Key Requirement Significance to the Project Occupational Safety and Prevent workplace accidents and in- This policy would ensure that the Health (OSH) Policy of Ghana, juries and define health and safety re- renovations are carried out ac- Draft sponsibilities for employers and em- cording to best practice while cre- 2004 ployees ating the environment to protect health and ensure safety. Environmental Assessment All activities likely to have an adverse The Sub-project requires the prep- (EA) Regulations ,1999 (LI effect on the environment must be aration of a Preliminary Environ- 1652) the subject of an environmental as- mental Report (PER) the equiva- sessment prior to the commencement lent of an ESMP in the World Bank of operations. sense Local Government Act, 1994 This Act established the Metropolitan, Administrative authority responsi- (Act 462) Municipal and District Assemblies ble for the regulations on land use (MMDAs) as the district planning and planning and sanitary waste dis- administrative authority. posal Land Use and Spatial Planning Discrete professional disciplines The Act provides for sustainable Act, 2016 (Act 925) which involve spatial planning include development of land and human land use, urban, regional, transport settlements through a decentral- and environmental planning. ized planning system, ensure judi- cious use of land in order to im- prove quality of life, promote health and safety in respect of hu- man settlements. Act 925 is also relevant, as the undertaking con- stitutes development on land, es- pecially that the proposed renova- tion works will alter the looks of the existing building (e.g: addition of the fence wall, car park, new septic tank etc.). Thus, a renova- tion permit from the is required from the Prestea-Huni Valley Mu- 11 Legal/Policy/Standard Key Requirement Significance to the Project nicipal Assembly, before the reno- vation works can begin Fire Precaution (Premises) Require businesses to obtain fire cer- It is crucial to have a fire certificate Regulations, 2003 (LI 1724) tificate for offices and warehouses in place for the safe operation of an office. This certificate ensures that the necessary fire safety measures are in place to protect employees, visitors, and the prop- erty in case of a fire emergency. Without a fire certificate, the office may be at risk of not meeting legal requirements and facing potential fines or even closure. Therefore, it is imperative for office managers to prioritize obtaining and main- taining a valid fire certificate to en- sure the safety and well-being of everyone in the workplace., The Labour Act, 2003 (Act Stipulates employer’s duty to ensure Occupational health, safety and 651) that every worker employed works welfare of persons employed by under satisfactory, safe and healthy Ministry and the Contractor will be conditions. The Act also determines guaranteed. the working times and compensation for injured persons while on duty. Environmental Quality Standards Ghana Standard on Health Protection - Requirements for Ambient Noise Controls (GS 1222:2018) The Ambient Noise Controls provide maximum permissible noise levels based on cat- egorised zones as shown in Table 2. The standard also includes noise requirements for a construction site which include: • Erecting an acoustic barrier around a construction site; and • Ensuring that the maximum noise level near the construction site does not exceed 66dB(A) Leq (5min) in areas other than industrial areas. Table 2: Requirements for Ambient Noise Control Zone Permissible Noise Level in WBG dB(A) EHS Guidelines One Hour LAeq (dBA) Day Night Daytime Night-time (6:00am- (10:00pm- 07:00 - 22:00 - 10:00pm) 6:00am) 22:00 07:00 Residential Area 55 48 55 45 Educational and health facili- 55 50 ties, offices and law courts Mixed use 60 55 Area with some light industry 65 60 Commercial areas 75 65 Light industry areas 70 60 70 70 12 Heavy industry areas 70 70 70 70 Ghana Standard on Environment and Health Protection - Requirements for Ambient Air Quality and Point Source/Stack Emissions (GS 1236:2019) The Ghana Standard on Environment and Health Protection - Requirements for Ambi- ent Air Quality and Point Source / Stack Emissions provides the maximum limit for ambient air pollutants (Table 3: Requirements for Ambient Air Quality – Maximum Limit for 24 Hours Table 3: Requirements for Ambient Air Quality – Maximum Limit for 24 Hours Substance Maximum Limit (μg/m3) Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 50 Nitrogen Oxide (NO2) 250 Total suspended particulate matter 150 Particulate Matter (PM10) 70 Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 35 Black Carbon 5 Ghana Standards on Environment Protection-Requirements for Effluent Discharge (GS 1212:2019) The Ghana Standard for Environment Protection – Requirements for Effluent Dis- charge (GS 1212:2019) requires every undertaking to install a pollution control system to treat effluent discharges from the operations, based on the best available technol- ogy. In the absence of pollution control equipment, an undertaking shall implement measures to control pollution. Any effluent discharged from a facility shall be within permissible levels (Table 4: Requirements for Effluent Discharge Table 4: Requirements for Effluent Discharge Parameter Unit Maximum Permissible Levels Colour (TCU) TCU 200 pH pH Units 6–9 Conductivity μS/cm 1500 Total Suspended Solids (TSS) mg/L 50 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) mg/L 1000 COD mg/L 250 Oil and grease mg/L 5 Aluminium mg/L 1.0 Copper mg/L 5 Lead mg/L 0.1 13 World Bank Environmental and Social Framework and Standards The World Bank Environmental and Social Framework applies to all investment pro- jects commencing on or after October 2018. The ESF re-enforces the vision of the Bank to pursue sustainable development and poverty reduction. It also sets out the policy of the Bank to support borrowers to develop and implement environmentally and socially sustainable projects as well as build capacity in the assessment and man- agement of environmental and social impacts and risks associated with the imple- mentation and operation of projects. There are ten (10) Environmental and Social Standards for Investment Project Financing projects. The standards relevant to the office sub project are shown in Table 5 and explained in Table 6 of the report. • Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts (ESS1); • Labour and Working Conditions (ESS2), • Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management (ESS3), • Community Health and Safety (ESS4); • Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure (ESS10). Table 5: World Bank Environmental and Social Standards Relevant to the Project World Bank Environmental Justification for relevance and Social Standards ESS1: Environmental & Social This standard is relevant since the proposed renovation works Risk and Impact Assessment are expected to present some environmental and social risks. The potential impacts associated with these risks needs to be assessed and mitigated. ESS2: Labour and Working Con- This standard is relevant because the project will engage people ditions employed or engaged through third parties (contractors, sub- contractors,) to perform work related to the renovation activi- ties, ESS2 applies to people engaged in the sub-project on a full- time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal basis as well as mi- grant workers. ESS3: Resource Efficiency and This standard is relevant since the proposed renovation activities Pollution Prevention and Man- are expected to present some resource efficiency and pollution agement prevention and management issues. ESS4: Community Health and This standard is relevant since project implementation will hap- Safety pen in mining communities and the fact that most of these com- munities are in an already high fragility environment. ESS10: Stakeholder Engagement This standard is relevant since multiple stakeholders including and Information Disclosure government agencies, District Assemblies, NGOs. CSOs will be involved in this project. 14 CHAPTER FIVE: STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION This chapter describes the consultative and collaborative process used to develop this ESMP. It also describes the tools and checklists included in the project-approved ESMF and how they were utilized in the preparation of this ESMP. It describes the three levels of consultation and consensus building adopted, including consultations during activity screening, ongoing consultation with key government agencies at the district level, and validation of proposed mitigation measures. Stakeholder Consultation The preparation of this ESMP was done through consultation, participation, and con- sensus-building with stakeholders. It was prepared as a stand-alone document after a year of implementing Project activities using the Project’s E&S safeguard instru- ments. Experiences and lessons learned through the project monitoring system and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) provided a solid foundation and platform for interaction with all stakeholders. In preparing this ESMP the Team engaged with three categories of stakeholders. They include i.) project affected persons (Prestea Community) identified during the screen- ing of the office facility sub-project, ii.) government agencies (Minerals Commission and Prestea Huni Valley Assembly) and iii.) CSOs/NGOs (Solidaridad) working in the project area . The outcome of the consultations is positive, and the proposed devel- opment is welcomed by all stakeholders. As part of their support for the renovation project, they also requested that comprehensive mitigation measures be implemented to effectively address all identified issues pertaining to air pollution, as well as the generation of dust and waste. Consultations during the Screening Process As part of the ESMF, all sub-projects must be vetted using the WB-approved checklist before fieldwork begins. Stakeholder engagement and registration templates are available to simplify this process. Stakeholders can use the Grievance Redress Mech- anism to file Project related issues exploring the potential outcomes, locations, indi- viduals impacted, consequences, origins, and longevity of the issue. These sessions are included in the Grievance Registration and Resolution form in Annex 6. The screening, stakeholder consultation, and supervising engineer report are included in this ESMP. Consultation with District Government Agencies While engaging with the Minerals Commission, Prestea-Huni Valley Municipal Assem- bly, Social Welfare, Forestry Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and Wa- ter Resources Commission, participants raised concerns regarding potential noise, dust, sanitation issues, waste generation, and potential accidents during the renova- tion project. Suggestions for mitigation included implementing roadblock signs to alert the public and employing security services. Additionally, it was recommended to ob- tain the necessary permits for the renovation activities. 15 Verification of the Suggested Mitigation Measures To ensure ESMP acceptance, there will be continuous consultations with the relevant stakeholders. This will mostly be a feedback mechanism to assure stakeholders that their concerns and suggestions were considered in the ESMP's development. Disclosure Through the support of MLNR and the Minerals Commission at the national level, the District Office of the Minerals Commission will make this ESMP public. Copies of the ESMP will be accessible at all times at the District Offices for all stakeholders. The MLNR and the Minerals Commission will also make copies of this ESMP available on the GLRSSMP and Minerals Commission websites as well as the World Bank website. 16 CHAPTER SIX: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF THE OFFICE FACILITY This section outlines the potential environmental and social impacts identified for the proposed activities through review of designs and drawings, visits to the project site, the screening exercise, and stakeholder consultations. Areas of Influence The environmental, socioeconomic, and institutional effects of the project are high- lighted and briefly explained below. The area of influence for the proposed activities will be mainly limited to the existing building footprint and immediate adjoining areas. The area of interest can be seen using GPS coordinates 5° 25' 45.53.0" N, 2° 8' 12.08" W, Western, Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly. Environmental Receptors The environmental receptors are the ambient air quality and noise levels and health and safety of construction workers, dust emission, waste generation, soil erosion, water contamination/pollution and disturbance of communities around the construc- tion sites. The requirement for construction materials, such as 30 cubic meter of sand and 50 cubic meter of gravel and 1000 liters of water and hence the impact on the natural environment is low. Socio-economic Receptors The proposed interventions in Prestea will have an impact on the community resi- dents, nearby neighbourhood or potential visitors to the area. There could also be a positive impact on the Prestea community members who reside close to the office space. Since the majority of the construction workers will be from the local area, this will surely generate income for them, thereby improving their standard of living. Also, related business activities such as food vending will pick up in the area. This should translate into favourable conditions for the local economy of the vicinity. Influence of institutions and organisations Among the institutions and organizations implicated in the renovation are the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Private Sector (Golden Star Limited), the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipal Dis- trict and Traditional Authorities. Specific Project Activities of Environmental and Social Concerns The major activities to be implemented are civil works for Staff offices, 40% of the immediate surroundings will be covered in pavement, while the remaining 60% will be adorned with ornamental plants. The civil works will involve transportation of con- struction materials and disposal of construction waste. It is anticipated that some minor potential negative impacts will manifest during the pre-construction, construc- tion, and post-construction phases. These potential negative environmental and social impacts relate to the following: 17 Pre-Construction (Negative Impacts) Environmental and social risks anticipated during the pre-construction phase include Pre-construction environmental negative impacts related to potential air, water and soil pollution from possible land clearing activities, fugitive dust and exhaust fumes from movement and use of vehicles and machines which could result in environmental pollution and public health concerns. Also, the risk of discrimination in the tendering process, and the potential for indi- viduals managing the process to request sexual favors from female bidders in ex- change for consideration for contract selection and award. It is further noted that the timing of the construction and renovation activities would also be crucial. In consultation with the Supervising Engineer, it is estimated that twenty-five (25) employees, preferably locals (both skilled and unskilled), will be required for the duration of the twelve-month construction period. It is important to observe that not all twenty-five employees will be present at the construction site at all times. This is because not all the job will be done at the same time, e.g electric work, plumbing, painting etc . Since the work will be completed in phases, employees will also be at various stages of their jobs. The Contractor's Environmental and Social Management Plan (C-ESMP) will include a Labor Management Procedure (with a dedicated section for GBV/SEA/SH risk mit- igation measures), and also provide the design of workers camp for the security personnel and essential workers as well as storage of building materials. While the majority of workers will be sourced locally, the camp will function as a crucial facility in promoting the welfare, accessibility, storage of building materials and resting place for workers, thereby aiding in the cost-efficient and timely completion of the project. The C-ESMP will also describe the specific measures to be followed to en- sure occupational, health and safety, GBV/SEA/SH risks are mitigated, and effective management of potential construction impacts, including construction waste. Construction The majority of environmental disturbances will occur during the construction phase. This phase will have low to moderate localised and reversible impacts and could be a source of inconvenience for workers and all those living in the area from air and noise, drainage, transportation and storage of construction materials, disposal of construction waste, occupational health and safety of workers, spread of STDs and other diseases among workers, GBV/ SEA/ SH risks and social-economic impacts (community health and safety, risk of non-recruitment of local labour to offer employ- ment opportunities and income). The development is likely to have the following ma- jor negative effects: a) Noise Possible noise from the operation of construction machines such as concrete mixer.As a result, permissible/acceptable human noise levels may be temporarily exceeded. However, this will be minimal effect on the health and comfort of those living within 18 100 meters of the site. Also, during the development of the C-ESMP, noise abatement measures will be taken into account. b) Impact on Ambient Air The air emissions from construction equipment and automobiles will be minimal and will have no effect on the quality of the surrounding air. Nevertheless, dust emissions from construction may alter the air quality in the vicinity of the construction site during the construction phase. c) Solid Waste Disposal Impacts Throughout the renovation works, various types of waste will be generated. From changing the roofing, waste will be generated from the old roofing sheets based on the removal and disposal procedures outlined in the WBG EHS General Guidelines and national requirements, and wood, plywood pieces, removed doors and windows; wood from old wooden floor; broken blocks, sand and other related waste from the demolished walls; old wires, sockets, switches and other related e-waste from the rewiring; old pipes, toilets, sinks, vents, faucets, and other related waste from the plumbing works; and waste from scrapings of the old paint and screeding of walls will all be generated. In the event of an oil leak or paint spill, the affected area must be cleaned immediately, and the equipment must be taken away to prevent significant pollution of the surrounding environment. Solid waste shall be properly disposed of in dustbins (minor site waste) and bulk waste shall be disposed of at designated loca- tions and periodically collected for disposal at the communal waste site of the com- munities. The contractor, as part of the Contractor’s Environmental and Social Management Plan (C-ESMP), will develop a waste management plan to manage these different types of wastes (including e-waste), in a manner consistent with this ESMP and the project’s ESMF. These requirements will be included in the bidding documents. d) Occupational Health and Safety Risks Sanitary facilities for construction workers, such as restrooms, trash cans, and dining areas, are among the health protection measures associated with the renovation works. In this case, the contractor is responsible for ensuring that his or her employ- ees have access to the needed sanitary amenities. Before construction begins, these facilities should be in place. These requirements, among others, will be incorporated in the bidding documents. The control building for equipment and control facilities shall be supplied with potable water and have a sanitation facility. Specially trained personnel will conduct periodic inspections, maintenance, and repair of malfunctions and mishaps. During the construction phase, workers will be exposed to sharp objects, loud ma- chinery, and a dusty environment. The contractor will be required to provide his em- ployees with appropriate protective equipment, such as boots, gloves, protective clothing, dust masks, and earmuffs. These costs should be included in the project's 19 budget. In order to prevent dust, the soil will also be watered. It is expected that signages would be appropriately positioned close to danger points in order to restrict the movement of unauthorized personnel on site during construction. All waste gen- erated will be disposed of in an approved landfill. Throughout the entirety of the construction phase, a Health, Safety, and Environmen- tal Officer (HSE) will be on-site. The HSE officer will ensure that a first aid kit is always available and accessible, and that all employees are aware of safety regulations. As part of the C-ESMP, the contractor will create an Occupation Health and Safety Management Plan to address the aforementioned concerns. On the construction site, the construction equipment, involved in the civil works are likely to generate noise. Noise is also likely to emanate from routine chiseling/cutting of the already existing walls and dressing walls. During the civil works, there will be a certain quantity of dust. Particularly if construc- tion is to take place during dry spells, precautions should be taken to reduce wind- borne dust. Workers must wear safety gear including gumboots, helmets, safety belts (harness), dust masks, and approved welding glasses for welders if the need be. Other safety precautions outlined in the applicable Ghanaian or International Industrial Safety Code must be observed. Again, these requirements These among others, will be incorpo- rated in the bidding documents. Social Impacts The Prestea community surrounding the construction site of the office building and the neighborhood of about 100 meters to the building are sparely populated. The area is distinguished by the office space, residential facilities, and urban settle- ments. The building is currently vacant, containing items such as basins and water containers that will eventually be moved. The neighboring structures were consulted regarding the upcoming renovation project, and one of the implemented measures is to conduct construction activities between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day. There will be some risks resulting from the following: (a) Possible Destruction of Property and Injury to people in the Neighborhood Due to the potential for construction-related damage to nearby properties, the con- tractor must ensure that the impact is minimized or eliminated by barricading the area, to ensure that all debris are contained within the barricaded area, and also prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the construction site. Barricading will secure surrounding properties from damages and people from getting injured from flying construction debris (b) Health Challenges (STDs such as HIV/AIDS): Local labor is encouraged to promote local content as part of the GLRSSMP's strate- gies. Given that local individuals will be hired, the likelihood of any substantial risk materializing in this aspect is minimal. 20 Positive Impacts of the Project: The anticipated positive impacts of the project during the construction and operation phases include the following: Employment: During the construction phase, the project should provide some form of temporary employment for community members. However, the completion of con- struction means that a quality office facility will enhance productivity and customer service. During the construction phase of the project, the sale of food and other services to workers will generate some direct incomes for food vendors. 21 CHAPTER SEVEN: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATIONS This chapter describes the proposed environmental and social mitigation measures that were developed by applying the mitigation hierarchy and also through stake- holder consultation and participation. In addition, indicative costs for the implemen- tation of mitigation measures are provided in chapter 10. Environmental and Social Mitigation The mitigation measures were developed based on good international industry prac- tices (WBG EHS Guidelines) and the experiences of the project's stakeholders and the lessons learned from similar works undertaken in some past projects. The following table details the mitigation measures and implementation responsibilities for the iden- tified minor to moderately significant adverse impacts. 22 Table 6: Mitigation measures for the Prestea Office Facility Potential Impact Mitigation Measures How to Verify Responsibility Monitoring Receptor Pre-Construction Impacts Disregard for Environ- Ensure that environmental and social Issues are incor- Using the bidding Docu- PCU Review of the bidding Neighbors/workers mental and Social Issues porated into the bidding documents ments documents in the Bidding Documents Impacts from the building Enhance building designs to avoid any health and Building designs and PCU Review of building de- Neighbors/workers Designs. safety impacts drawings signs, Random site in- spections Lack of Universal Access Universal access, such as disabled-friendly facilities Inspection of building de- Contractor Review of building designs Neighbors/workers (ramps and toilets) should be provided signs Timing of Construction Major works can be done from 6am to 6pm during Inspection of Work Contractor Review of C-ESMP Neighbors within Activities weekdays and outside office hours Schedules. the vicinity Grievance Redress Mech- anism Temporary Accommoda- Accommodation will be provided for security personnel Contractor Review of C-ESMP Neighbors within the tion for Workers/Materials on site. Presence of Workers’ ac- Facility Inspections vicinity A shed will be provided on site to store building mate- commodation rials Presence of storage site Potential air, water and Clearing and cleaning of the site is done under strict Control mechanisms Contractor/Min- Review of C-ESMP Neighbors within the soil pollution from clear- regulation to prevent air, water and soil pollution. com vicinity ing activities Exhaust fumes from ma- Regulate movement of vehicles to the site by the re- Vehicle movement plan Contractor/Min- Review of C-ESMP Neighbors within the chines and vehicles quired speed limits. com vicinity movement Construction Impacts Ambient Air To keep dust from blowing, cover truck loads with Journey Management Contractor Random truck inspection Neighbors within canvas including cement dust by carefully handling Plan the vicinity and working under moist conditions Make sure that vehicles transporting building materials Driver Training Records Contractor Impromptu checks Neighbors within to site abide by the traffic regulations and the required the vicinity/ Workers speed limits. 23 Make sure the stockpiles of things that can be moved No extensive dust blow Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors within are managed well so that there is less blow dust. Cau- the vicinity/ Workers tion when moving materials also when unloading eas- ily broken things, keep drop heights to a minimum. Noise, and Vibrations Noise and vibration im- During weekdays, work can be done within the hours Grievance Recorded Contractor Random site inspection, Neighbors/workers pact at the construction of 6am to 6pm. The contractor is recommended to Review of filed griev- sites work primarily on weekdays since the area is within a ances, review of time- residential area. sheets of workers Use the latest technology and limit the number of ma- Type of machine used/ Contractor Spot checks, Review of Neighbors/workers chines that can be used at the same time. Grievance Mechanism filed grievances Use modern, well-kept equipment (e. g. use of silenc- Technical Specification Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers ers). Sheet Use hearing protection for workers who work in noisy Protective hearing equip- Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers environments. ment available and used. Community, Occupational Health, and Safety Community, Occupational Given that about twenty-five (25) local people will be Training performed and Contractor Check Training modules Neighbors/workers Health, and Safety employed during the construction phase the workers recorded and records will be trained in health and safety (including skilled and unskilled). Place a first-aid kit at the project site. Provide First Aid Kit for Contractor Random site inspection to Neighbors/workers workers check availability and ex- piry date of first-aid kit Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as hard PPE used on-site by Contractor Random site inspection to Neighbors/workers hats, boots, reflector jackets, goggles, nose masks, workers. check availability and us- and ear plugs, should be worn by workers. age Keep the place clean to a high standard. Good housekeeping on- Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers site Ensure that the construction site is fenced. First Aid Kit provided at Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers site and Visitors book available Fire Prevention As required by law, make sure there are approved fire Fire prevention equip- Contractor Regular site inspection Neighbors/workers extinguishers on site. ment in place Labour Issues (Reference Make sure workers have access to and know about the Grievance Mechanism in PCU/ Contractor Knowledge and availabil- Neighbors/workers Labour Management Plan way to file a complaint. place ity of grievance register of the Project) and grievances recorded 24 Ensure that the minimum legal labor standards set by Grievance Mechanism Contractor Inspection reports (also Neighbors/workers the ILO and Labour Act are met. These standards in- Records, from labour authorities), clude no child or forced labor, no discrimination, fair Training recorded Review of grievance regis- working hours, and minimum wages. Staff contracts ter and training record Give workers clean and adequate facilities, and make Appropriate facilities in Contractor confirm before com- Neighbors/workers sure that toilets and changing rooms are separate for place mencement of works men and women. Ensure that the employees have access to primary Healthcare available in Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers health care on site and those prescriptions can be the town filled. Soil and Groundwater Environmental contami- Make sure that construction wastewater, including Water disposal compliant Contractor/Min- Random site inspection Neighbors/workers nation/ spills sanitary water, is disposed appropriately. with legal requirements com Make sure that any spills as such as paint and associ- Workers trained. Contractor/ PCU Random site inspection Neighbors/workers ated reagent are cleaned up right away. One-time inspection after construction Best practice of Managing Acquire building materials such as sand and gravel License/permit of opera- Contractor/Min- Random site inspection Community members building materials (e.g. from licensed quarry and burrow pit operators only tor com Sand and gravel) After construction is done, the work area will be put Reinstatement completed Contractor/ PCU One-time inspection after Community Members back together as well as possible. construction Waste (Solid and Liquid) Toilet facility There should be toilets on the job site for the workers. Area of convenience Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers Waste Management Two trash bins should be set up for solid and liquid No littering Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers waste disposal. Household waste should be taken to an approved landfill. Manage the disposal of Asbestos for Roofing activities to ensure the safety of workers and compliance with regulations by using specially trained personnel. Water and Hydrology Surface Water Quality Contractors should provide water for construction ac- Water harvesting con- Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers tivities or harvest rainwater any time it rains during ducted the construction period to avoid stress on the commu- nity water resource. Reuse wastewater whenever possible. Wastewater reused Contractor Random site inspection Neighbors/workers Socio-Economic Issues 25 Stakeholder Engagement Effective engagement with communities, and partici- Minutes of Meetings PCU/ Contractor Review of grievance regis- Neighbors/workers and Grievance Redress patory and engaging meetings. Grievance Redress Mech- ter Mechanism Ensure regular meetings with the local assembly and anism communities to discuss progress of construction work. Inform stakeholders of the existing Grievance Redress Grievance Mechanism in PCU/ Contractor Review of grievance regis- Neighbors/workers Mechanism so that people who might be affected by place, grievances rec- ter the Project can voice their concerns about it. orded Local Employment & Pro- Make sure that, when possible, goods and services for Local Procurement and Contractor/Min- Review procurement and Neighbors/workers curement the Project and Project staff are supplied by the local Employment Records com employment rules and community. records Communicable Diseases Ensure that all contractors follow the codes of conduct Communicable Diseases Contractor Review of diseases regis- Neighbors/workers for employment and code of ethics. This includes, but Register ter and is not limited to, safety rules, zero tolerance for sub- disease prevention pro- stance abuse, environmental sensitivity of the area, gramme if available. dangers of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, gender equality including equal pay and sexual harassment, respect for the beliefs and cus- toms of the people and community relations in gen- eral. Operational Impacts Waste Generation Waste bins of adequate number and sizes should be Disposal containers avail- Contractor/Min- Review of grievance regis- Neighbors/workers provided to collect recyclable and other waste sepa- able/Grievance Mecha- com ter/Random Site Inspec- rately. nism tion Drinking water and sani- Maintenance of drinking water and sanitation facilities Safe drinking water and MinCom Review of grievance regis- Neighbors/workers tation facilities clean toilets ter/ Random Site Inspec- tion 26 CHAPTER EIGHT: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PLAN This chapter provides a monitoring plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation measures. The plan stipulates that the responsible entities will develop monitoring indicators for impacts of low and moderate environmental and social significance. It provides guidelines for determining the cost of implementing the monitoring plan and the ESMP as a whole. The chapter also describes the need for the development of an emergency preparedness and response plan. Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan In order to effectively implement the provisions of this Environmental and Social Man- agement Plan, an appropriate and effective monitoring program must be established to quantify pertinent elements of the physical, biological, and socio-cultural environ- ments. The monitoring of relevant environmental and social parameters will assist in validating any predicted impact and assessing the efficacy of the mitigation measures. The monitoring program will aid in the collection of information that will be used to assess the environmental performance of the project. Environmental and social issues and occupational health and safety will compose the majority of the monitoring activities. The monitoring plan is tightly linked to the impact identification and mitigation table, where provisions have already been made for the validated mitigation action and where responsibility has already been assigned. The accountable parties would adopt the above-mentioned table 6 and gradually develop the specific activities necessary to meet the table’s requirements. The majority of impacts occur during the construc- tion phase, and it is expected that, as part of the bidding and contract awarding pro- cess, the successful bidder will prepare a C-ESMP that clearly outlines the parameters to be monitored and the budgetary requirements. The Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) and the Minerals Commission will monitor the activities of the sub project as shown in Table 7 of the monitoring plan for the respon- sibilities assigned to them under this ESMP. The cost of implementing this ESMP by the PCU and the Minerals Commission is also budgeted as part of the project’s annual workplan and budget as indicated in Table 9. The monitoring section of the ESMP includes: (a) a specific description and technical details of monitoring measures, including the parameters to be measured, methods to be used, locations, frequency of measurements, detection limits (where appropri- ate), and definition of thresholds that will signal the need for corrective actions; and (b) monitoring and reporting procedures to ensure early detection of conditions that call for specific mitigation measures. The monitoring plan for the project is shown in Table 7 by identifying the things that must be examined before and after each action. Due diligence on the part of the designated construction inspector is essential for the monitoring of the Contractor's safeguards. For compliance assurance, it is necessary to examine the main monitoring 27 criteria both during and after work. Such parameters and criteria include: i. dust gen- eration and prevention; ii. amount of water used and discharged at site; iii. presence of proper sanitary facilities for workers; iv. Waste collection of separate types (mineral waste, wood, metal, plastic, hazardous waste, e.g. spent engine oil); v. waste quan- tities; vi proper organization of disposal pathways and facilities; or reuse and recycling whenever possible. Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan There shall be a plan to be prepared by the contractor to respond to emergencies that may arise during preparation and renovation of the project to include those resulting from natural catastrophes, fires that may break out in the work area, as well as those involving sabotage, etc. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan outlines the requirements, roles and responsibilities, and precautions necessary to respond to po- tential emergencies in a timely and suitable manner. This plan will be developed as part of the C-ESMP. 28 Table 7: Monitoring Plan Phase What parameter to be moni- Where the param- How the param- frequency Responsibility to Responsibility to tored eter to be moni- eter to be moni- implement supervise tored tored Preparation Universal access (disabled friendly Design Documents check if design before start of Supervising Engi- Mincom /PCU of activity offices facilities) in the designs and project construction, neer planning, and before approval Inventory of waste procedures, to use materi- als, Inclusion of mitigation and monitor- Bidding Documents Review of the bid- Before the issue of Supervising Engineer Mincom /PCU ing measures in the ESMP into the ding documents bidding documents bidding documents Implemen- Preparation of C-ESMP by C-ESMP, Review of Before mobilisa- Contractor Supervising Engi- tation and Contractor the C-ESMP tion of the con- neer/ Mincom /PCU supervision tractor of activity Set up of GRM at the work At work site Review of Griev- Monthly Contractor PCU place and access to the com- ance Mechanism munity Records; Contrac- tor’s monthly re- ports Hiring of local workers and signing At work site Review of worker’s Daily Contractor Supervising Engi- of code of conduct as per LMP contracts neer/ Mincom /PCU Provision of PPE to workers At work sites Visual observation Daily Contractor Supervising Engi- neer/ Mincom /PCU Availability of drinking water and At works sites Visual observation Daily Contractor Supervising Engi- toilet for workers neer/ Mincom /PCU Dust from the construction activities Work site, material Visual observations Daily Contractor Supervising Engi- storage sites and neer/ Mincom /PCU transportation trucks Noise from construction activities Work sites Visual observations Daily Contractor Supervising Engi- neer/ Mincom /PCU Collection and segregation of waste, At work sites Records of waste Weekly Contractor Supervising Engi- and the waste is disposed of at ap- quantity collected neer/ Mincom /PCU proved sites and disposed 29 Barricades around the construction At works sites Visual observation Daily Contractor Supervising Engi- sites neer/ Mincom /PCU Timing of construction activities At work sites Visual observation Daily Contractor Supervising Engi- within the normal business hours neer/ Mincom /PCU 30 CHAPTER NINE: GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM This chapter adopts the Grievance Redress Mechanism for the GLRSSMP and modifies it to accommodate the Renovation of the Office Facility. It provides simple system access, prompt feedback, recordkeeping and reporting. To ensure uniformity and fa- cilitate the generation of reports, specialized tools have been provided to national and district level stakeholders. Grievance Redress Mechanism for the Prestea Office Facility The Grievance Redress Mechanism for all the office locations is based on a unified, dynamic system that is currently being implemented. The GLRSSMP and the African Environmental Health and Pollution Management Project operate a single GRM with four levels of operations from the community through to the national levels. These are explained below: (a) Community Level structures The Small Scale-Mining component of the GLRSSMP uses the local structures with representations from traditional authorities, the political representative i.e. the assem- blyman or woman, youth representative, women representative, and the vulnerable with adequate capacity in grievance resolution. (b) District Level Structures The District Mining Committees (DMCs)2 is being used by the Small Scale Mining com- ponent of the GLRSSMP for the management of grievances related to all subproject activities including this office renovation. (c) Regional Level Structures The mining component of the GRLSSMP manages grievances at regional levels by representatives from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minerals Commission (MINCOM), Water Resources Commission (WRC), Forestry Commission (FC), and Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA). Grievance issues are forwarded to the Clients Relation Unit (CRU) to deal with. Resolved or unresolved grievances will be sent to the CRU at EPA headquarters for documentation and further action. (d) National Level Structures At the national level, all complaints from the three other levels are sent to the main portal managed by the EPA. The EPA, through the CRU, grants access to the Mining component of the GLRSSMP to forward data on grievances for documentation and further action. Grievances are coded by officers and trained personnel at each level to indicate their origin, allowing the main portal manager to disseminate information to the Landscape and Mining components of the GLRSSMP and the Africa Environ- 2 Comprised of representation from the Minerals Commission with two representations namely the District Min- ing officer and an officer from the inspectorate division., Environmental Protection Agency (1), the Municipal or District Assembly (1), Traditional Authority (1) and Municipal or District Chief Executive who is the Chair- person 31 mental Health and Pollution Management Programme (AEHPMP) for resolution or no- tification if grievances are resolved. Complainants have the option to seek redress in the law courts or other jurisdictions if unsatisfied with the resolution outcome. A maximum of 8 weeks is allocated to deal with complaints, with complainants being informed of the status at least twice every fortnight within this timeline. Cases pertaining to Sexual exploitation and abuse/sexual harassment (SEA/SH) com- plaints will be directed to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVSU) of the Ghana Police Service for immediate redress. In the event of such circumstances arising, the committee at that particular level is responsible for directing the matter to the appropriate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Service Provider, as outlined in the comprehensive list of relevant government and non-government agencies. These agencies, encompassing law enforcement, healthcare (including mental/psychological services), judiciary, and legal aid. Table 8: Resolution Actions and Timelines for GLRSSP & AEHPMP GRM Step Action Resolution Time 1 Receive and register the grievance Within 2 days 2 Acknowledge, assess grievance and assign responsibil- Within 3 days ity 3 Development of response Within 5days 4 Implementation of response if an agreement is Within 10days reached 5 Initiate a grievance review process if no agreement is Within 10days reached at the first instance 6 Implement review recommendation and close griev- Within 10 days ance 7 Grievance taken to court by the complainant is not - satisfied with the outcome of proceedings Channels to Submit Complaints The main channels include the following: • Writing (letter); • Verbal (walk in)’; • Phone call/fax; 0244878734; 0244653518 • WhatsApp; 0244878734; 0244653518 • E-mail; wilson.zoogah@mincom.gov.gh or ritdamoah@gmail.com • Suggestion boxes; • Website of Minerals Commission; and 32 • Avenue for anonymity through a trusted confidant (a friend or a family member) Financing The GRM for the Renovation of the Office Facility shall be financed by the Pro- ject. Allocation will be made for such purposes through the annual workplan and budget estimates. 33 CHAPTER TEN: PERSONNEL AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT FOR THE ESMP IMPLEMENTATION This section describes the district-level personnel available to support the implemen- tation of the ESMP’s provisions. It describes the institutional arrangement for the plan's implementation, roles and responsibilities , and capacity building requirements. Implementing Institutions The District Office of the Minerals Commission at Prestea is in charge of implementing this Environmental and Social Management Plan, with assistance from the Ministry, the Supervising Engineer and the Contractor, the Traditional Authority, Community- Based Organizations, and the project beneficiaries (ASM Operators). Implementation Arrangement The Environmental and Social Management Plan will be implemented in three phases. In each of the stages including pre-construction, construction, and operational phases as shown in Table 6 of this report, specific responsibilities are outlined for both the contractor and the client. Personnel and Capacity for Implementation of the ESMP The District office of the Minerals Commission plays a vital role in executing interven- tions within its jurisdiction, serving both the District and the Community. With a com- petent team, the District Officer oversees the day-to-day operations of the office. The team comprises the Office Administration Manager, Community Relations Officers, Technical Officers, Front Desk Staff, and National Service Personnel. The District Of- ficer specifically focuses on supervising the implementation of Safeguards and serves as the District Safeguards Point of Contact, taking charge of all matters concerning Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) implementation. The Safeguards Focal Person in the District undergoes comprehensive training to ef- fectively prepare for their role. This training encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including Bank Safeguard Standards, Grievance Redress Mechanism, and Impact Man- agement. Furthermore, continuous enhancement of the capabilities of the District Safeguards Focal Person and other personnel is crucial to address the evolving de- mands and challenges of ESMP implementation. A dedicated portion of the budget is allocated for training purposes to facilitate this improvement. Estimated Cost for the ESMP Implementation To implement this Environmental and Social Management Plan for the Office Facility, a total of $6,500 is required to cover awareness, training, the provision of personal protective equipment, and the monitoring of key environmental and social impacts. The costs associated with implementing the ESMP are broken down in table 9 below. Budget for Implementation of ESMP Table 9: budget for implementation 34 No. Description Budget (US $) 2024 1. Training for Safeguards Focal Persons 1,000 2. Awareness Creation 1,000 3. Extension support to contractor to meet statutory require- 500 ment 4. Provision of PPEs 1,000 5. Implementation of mitigation measures 1,000 6. Implementation of Environmental and Social Monitoring 1,000 Plan 7. Implementation of GRM 1,000 8. Total 6,500 35 REFERENCE • Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (2021): Environmental and Social Management Framework. • Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (2021): Project Imple- mentation Manual (PIM) • Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (2020): Draft Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) in selected pilot mining communities. • Ghana Statistical Service (2010) Population and Housing Census of Ghana • Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (2021): Environmental and Social Management Framework. • World Bank (2021). Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project- Project Appraisal Document Report No: PAD3699 • Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (2021): Stakeholder En- gagement Plan • Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (2021): Resettlement Policy Framework • Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (2021): Process Frame- work 36 ANNEXES Annex 1: Screening Report for the Prestea Office Facility Prestea A BACKGROUND INFORMATION: 1. Date: 5/4/2024 2. Type of Activity Renovation of Prestea satellite office 3. Project Location (Region, GPS coordinates: 5°25' 45.53" N 2°8' District, Community) 12.03" W Western, Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, Prestea 4. Population of beneficiary Total: 229,301, community (Male/Female) 117,744 males 111,557 females B DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY 5. Type of Activity (including Increased capacity development at objectives and outputs) the district level of the minerals commission • Refurbished district offices • improved access to ASM technical services delivery Activities: • Ceiling • Floor tiling • Plumbing • New windows and doors • Paint • Pavement 6. Land area to be taken by Floor area, 137m2 project activity, in acres/ha 7. Any existing property to be No affected, and by how much (total, partial demolition etc.) 8. Any plans for construction, Yes, construction of pavement movement of earth, changes in land cover 9. Date of commencement and Yet to be determined expected completion date 10. Estimated cost GHC 1,993,350.95 11. Facilities Earmarked for Con- Prestea Satellite office struction, Renovation or Ex- pansion (List them in the corresponding column). C PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION Adjoining Land Uses (ag- Name land use type (estimate and ricultural, industrial, res- measure distances where feasible idential, etc.) 12. i. South 200 meters, commercial/Industrial 13. ii. North 65 meters, residence 14. iii. East 35 meters, residence 15. iv. West 35 meters, residence 37 Site Specific Characteris- Estimate and measure distances tics where feasible 16. i. Nature or slope of Relative Flat terrain on a high elevation land 17. ii. Proximity to thor- 40 meters oughfare (path) 18. iii. Proximity to a natural N/A habitat e.g. wetland etc. 19. iv. Proximity to a resi- 35 meters dence or any commu- nity resource or facil- ity 20. v. Proximity to a road 40 meters to access road 21. vi. Proximity to a 4km River/Stream YES NO COMMENT 22. Would the activity poten- x tially cause adverse impacts to habitats (e.g. modified, natural, and critical habitats) and/or ecosystems and eco- system services? 23. Are any activities proposed x within or adjacent to critical habitats and/or environmen- tally sensitive areas, includ- ing legally protected areas (e.g. nature reserve, na- tional park), areas proposed for protection, or recognized as such by authoritative sources and/or indigenous peoples or local communi- ties? 24. Are there activities at the x project site? 25. What is the current land use Residence 26. Will the proposed activities x have any impact on any ecosystem services biodiver- sity issues or natural habi- tats? 27. Will there be water resource x impacts? 28. Will there be vegetation and x soil impacts? 29. Will there be air quality or x Possible noise impacts? generation of noise and emis- sion of dust during ren- ovation 30. Are there any new or x changing river basin 38 management planning or activities? 31. Involve the use of petro- x leum, diesel, liquefied petro- leum gas, bitumen, biodiesel, ethanol and methane 32. Does activity have potential x Debris from to generate solid or liquid the con- wastes? struction and man- made gen- erated waste Environmental Aware- ness 33. i. Community/School Envi- x ronmental Association or Club 34. ii. Collaboration with EPA x Collaborate or any Environmental with EPA NGO on ASM en- vironmental compliance 35. iii. Environmental programs x Stakeholder and activities undertaken engage- (symposia, lectures, film ment and show, tree planting etc.) community sensitisa- tion 36. iv. Watershed management x planning participant Yes/No D PRELIMINARY SOCIAL INFORMATION Sanitary Facilities Availa- Type and Number (Comments if ble any) 37. i. Toilets (type & num- Water closet, 2 ber) 38. ii. Urinals (type & num- Water closet, 2 ber) 39. iii. Disability friendly ac- No cess (Yes/No) 40. iv. Separate sanitation Yes facilities for Males and Females (Yes/No) 41. v. Number of toilets al- One male, one female located to Males and Females 42. vi. Room/space for No pregnant and lactat- ing mothers 43. vii. Room/space for Per- Yes sonal Protective Equipment (PPE) 39 44. viii. changing rooms No (type & number) 45. ix. Available space for Yes seated areas (Yes/No) Site Specific Characteris- YES NO COMMENT tics 46. Will there be restrictions x or loss of access to public facilities or resources? 47. Has there been litigation x or complaints of any so- cial nature directed against the proponent or the activity? 48. Will the activity require the x acquisition of land? 49. What is the status of the Public Land land holding required by the project (public land, private land or customary land (skin/stool or family land) community lands, etc.)? 50. Would the Project pose x potential risks to com- munity health and safety due to the transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of hazardous or dangerous materials (e.g. explosives, fuel and other chemicals during construction and opera- tion)? 51. Would elements of pro- x ject renovation, refur- bishment, construction phase pose potential safety risks to local communities? 52. Is there evidence of x land tenure status of landowners and/or oc- cupants (affidavit, deed/title or other docu- mentation)? (Yes/No) 53. If yes, specify the type Building be- of tenure evidence longs Gov- available (written or ernment otherwise) 54. Are there outstanding land x disputes? (Yes/No) 40 55. Has there been proper con- x sultation with stakeholders? (Yes/No) 56. If yes, describe the stake- Administra- holders and the consultation tion of methods used checklist to Mineral Commis- sion, neigh- bouring oc- cupants, district As- sembly (MCE, Dis- trict Plan- ning and engineer) and Miners 57. Were women intentionally x targeted during the stake- holder consultation? (Yes/No) 58. Will the sub-project cause x any losses in livelihood opportunities for women and men? 59. Will the project be sited x in a location known to have been or is closed to a burial ground/grave, cemetery or archaeologi- cal site? Any cultural her- itage/sacred sites in pro- ject area? 60. Is there a grievance pro- x cess identified for Project Affected Person (PAPs) and is this easily accessi- ble to these groups/indi- viduals? 61. Specify the type of griev- N/A ance mechanism and how it is made accessi- ble? 62. Would the activity possi- x bly result in economic displacement (e.g. loss of assets or access to re- sources due to land ac- quisition or access re- strictions – even in the absence of physical relo- cation)? 63. Will there be any changes to x livelihoods of women/men and youth? 41 64. What are the main is- Procure- sues associated with ment of community benefits? building materials from the lo- cal sources, employ- ment and other in- come gen- eration ac- tivities 65. Will any restoration or com- x pensation be required with Affected persons? Security 66. Site fenced or cordon-off to x avoid causing harm to hu- man and animals 67. Proximity to community Within Community 68. Proximity to Police Station or 4000m to Post for quick contact when police sta- their services are required tion and (estimate distance) 1000m to the post of- fice 69. Encroachment x 70. Thoroughfares x 40 meters to access road 71. Proximity to community x E IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION Choose COM- L, M or MENT H Natural LOW (No natural habitats present L Site lo- habitats of any kind) cated MEDIUM (No critical natural habi- within tats; other natural habitats occur) commu- HIGH (Critical natural habitats nity and present; within declared protected would not areas) affect natural habitat Water Re- LOW (Water flows exceed any ex- L Closest sources isting demand; low intensity of water water use; potential water use body is conflicts expected to below; no about 4 potential water quality issues) km MEDIUM (Medium intensity of water use; multiple water users; water quality issues are im- portant) 42 HIGH (Intensive water use; multi- ple water users; potential for con- flicts is high; water quality issues are important) Natural LOW (Flat terrain; no potential L The hazards stability/erosion problems; no building is known flood risks) on a well- MEDIUM (Medium slopes; some engi- erosion potential; medium risks neered from floods) ground HIGH (Mountainous terrain; steep with no slopes; unstable soils; high ero- potential sion potential; flood risks) threats Land ten- LOW (No conflicts, disagreements L Local ure around use of land) govern- MEDIUM (Process of land regu- ment land larization and rights to natural re- with no sources being worked out with conflict clear communication and griev- ance process in place) HIGH (Land conflicts historically unresolved, community/ persons being evicted, settlers loosing rights and no transparency or Grievance redress available) F SUMMARY OF SITE SENSITIVITY Tick appropriately Comment [A] HIGH Environmental and [B] ME- Social Impacts are DIUM minimal [C] LOW √ G IMPACT MITIGATION Impact Iden- Possible generation of: tified 1. Noise 2. Dust 3. Solid Waste Mitigation op- Noise attenuation equipment tions Dust suppression and use of appropriate machinery to minimize emissions. Occupation health and safety - Appropriate PPEs will be supplied to workers (non-compliance will be sanc- tioned) - Provision of first aid kit on site - Provision of fire extinguishers - Enforcement of health and safety regu- lations Waste segregation and management practices (Con- struction waste such as cement, wood and debris will be hauled to approved landfill sites). Mobile toilets will be provided. H DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CATEGORY BASED ON SCREENING Tick appro- COMMENT priately 43 [A] REQUIRES AN ESIA [B] REQUIRES PREPARATION OF ADDITIONAL E&S IN- FORMATION TO SUPPORT ESMF [C] DOES NOT REQUIRE FUR- √ THER ENVIRONMENTAL OR SOCIAL DUEDILIGENCE – REFER TO ESMF KEY PRIN- CIPLES FOR IMPLEMENTA- TION Reviewer Details Prepared Wilson Waanab Zoogah and Rita Owusu-Amankwah By: Designa- (Environmental Management Specialist) and (Social De- tion velopment and Gender Specialist) respectively 44 Annex 2: Evidence of Stakeholder Consultations N0 Name Institution Position Sex Phone No. Prestea- Prestea Huni Valley Municipal / Western Region 1 Hon. Dr. Isaac Dasmani District Assembly MCE M 0244783695 2 Mr Osei Mensah An- District Assembly Director of Physical M 0246746335 thony Planning 3 Stephen Kwabena Dan- District Assembly Budget Officer M 0242236691 quah 4 Mustapha Nuhu ASM operator Secretary Small Min- M 0244828015 ing Association 5 Abraham Ayipaah Urban Council (Neigh- Chairman -Urban M 0246651821 bour) Council 6 Anita Hadi Urban Council (Neigh- Secretary -Urban F 0550214362 bour) Council 7 Francis Abeiku Yankah NADMO Municipal NADMO Di- M 0244929396 rector 8 Saeed Ehsanullah Neighbour Health Administrator M 0202473396 9 Norbert Atittey Neighbour Health Administrator M 0243056361 Annex 3: Communities represented within Prestea Office Enclave No. Name 1 Anfegya 2 Number 3 3 D compound 4 Nakaba 5 Asoaba 6 Dagati 7 Nsuekyi 8 Himan 9 Brumasi 10 Bondaye 11 Boiler side 12 Kpoviagi 13 Gambia 45 Annex 4: Collated E&S views from respondents during the screening process Collated E&S views across districts Prestea- Huni Valley Municipal/ Western Region 5 Issues Measures Remarks • Noise • Use roadblock signs to inform • Dust people • Renovation work would im- • Use bugler proofs to secure the pede movement and offices • Sanitation-renovation work • Request contractor to hire the would increase gabbage services of a security • Accidents during work • Acquire permit for renovation • Security threat as a results from the Assembly and EPA be- assumption of available cause we are making change to building materials and goods the existing structure Annex 5: Contact Details of District Safeguards Focal Person at MinCom Office at Prestea No. Name Institu- Position Sex Phone No. Renova- tion tion area 1 Emmanuel Minerals District M 0541982376 Morrison Commis- Officer sion Annex 6: Template for Semi-Annual Environmental and Social Reporting as en- shrined in the ESMF Period covered District Prepared by Submitted to Date Submitted 46 1. Environmental & Social Safeguards Issues (including Health & Safety, Grievances, etc.) 2. Challenges 3. Activities and Actions on E&S 4. Recommendations 5. Attachments (eg. Copies of grievance registration forms, etc.) 47 Annex 7: Complaints Submission Form as captured in the ESMF Reference No: Full Name: Contact information By Post: Please provide postal address: and preferred method of communi- ________________________________________ cation Please mark how you ________________________________________ wish to be contacted (mail, telephone, e- ________________________________________ mail). ________________________________________ ________ By Telephone: ________________________________________ __ By E-mail ________________________________________ ______ Nature of Grievance or Complaint Description of grievance: What happened? Where did it happen? Who was involved? What is the result of the problem? Source and duration of the problem? Date of inci- One-time incident/grievance (date _______________) dent/grievance Happened more than once (how many times? _____) On-going (currently experiencing problem) Receiver Name: ________________________________________ ____________________________ 48 Signature ________________________________________ ______ Date ________________________________________ ______ Filer Name: ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________ Signature ________________________________________ ______ Date ________________________________________ ______ Relationship to Complainant (if different from Complainant): ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________ 49 Review/Resolution Level 1 (MDA) Level 2 (IA) Level 3 (PCU) Date of Conciliation Session: __________________________________________________________ __________________ Was Filer/Complainant Present? Yes/ No Was field verification of complaint conducted? Yes/ No Findings of field investigation __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ _______________________________ Summary of Conciliation Session Discussion __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ _______________________________ 50 Issues __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ _______________________________ Was agreement reached on the issues? Yes, No If agreement was reached, detail the agreement __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ _______ If agreement was not reached, specify the points of disagreement __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 51 __________________________________________________________ _______ Signed (Conciliator): ___________________________________ Signed (Filer/Complainant): _____________________________________ Signed: _________________________________________________ (Independent Observer e.g. Assembly Member/Opinion Leader) Date: _______________________________ Implementation of Agreement Date of implementation: __________________________________________ Feedback from Filer/Complainant: Satisfied /Not Satisfied If satisfied, sign off & date_____________________________________________________ (Filer/Complainant) (Mediator) If not satisfied, recommendation/way forward __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ (Signature & date of Filer/Complainant) ______________________________________________________ (Signature & date of Mediator) ________________________________________________________________ 52 Annex 8: Grievance Register from the ESMF Grievance Register 1 Unique reference number 2 Date of incoming grievance 3 Location (where the grievance was received/ submitted) 4 Complainant’s name 5 Contact details (Leave it blank in case of anonymous enquiries and grievances) 6 Summary of Complaint 7 Identification of parties responsible for addressing and resolu- tion of complaint 8 Investigation launch date 9 Investigation completion date 10 Findings of investigation 11 Proposed corrective actions 12 Deadlines for internal actions required from staff 13 Indication of satisfaction with compliant 14 Close out date 15 Any outstanding actions for non-closed grievances 53