“Come what may, we bring those resources to play” – Narratives, future‐making and the case of bauxite extraction at Atewa forest, Ghana

The Ghanaian government aims to develop an integrated bauxite–aluminium industry and seeks further bauxite extraction at several sites across the country. This vision is embedded within political agenda “Ghana Beyond Aid,” introduced by country's president, Nana Akufo-Addo. One possible mining area Atewa Forest, one of few remaining intact upland evergreen rainforests in Ghana. study highlights important narratives local NGOs use mobilise against Forest: (a) case environmental justice with a strong focus on clean water (b) foreign Chinese influence. Both have gained national as well international attention. However, avoids direct discussion legitimises through newly created Ghana Aid. latter better understood future-making practice, practice creating single development path that only needs be managed. At same time, revenue from refined finances huge infrastructure projects are foundation this agenda. In addition, legitimation extract appears powerful because it linked broader global about modernisation economic growth.