The Centre for Social Impact Studies (CeSIS) was formed in January 2011 as a research and advocacy non-governmental organisation primarily focused on providing research backbone to Ghana’s extractive industry. The organisation is headquartered in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region with an office in Takoradi, the Western Regional capital that focuses on the oil and gas industry. Vision Statement: “CeSIS will be a world class research institution providing cutting edge research results that support advocacy for the development of residents living in resource-rich areas of Ghana and Africa” Mission Statement: CeSIS seeks to achieve its objective through research and advocacy to influence policy change in favour of communities impacted by the operations of extractive companies Objectives" The core objectives of CeSIS are: 1. To conduct research into the impact of extractive activities on communities 2. To use the results of research to do advocacy on behalf of affected communities 3. To push for policy change in the extractive industry in favour of poor and marginalized communities. 4. To conduct research into specific issues as and when they are referred to the organisation by corporate bodies and other CSOs. Strategies of Work CeSIS adopts a four-pronged approach in executing its mandate: 1. Research 2. Advocacy 3. Policy Influencing 4. Networking/Coalition Building 5. Lobbying 6. Community Mobilisation Thematic Areas of Work CeSIS works on the following thematic areas: 1. Mining (large scale mining and small scale mining) 2. Oil and Gas 3. Environment 4. Disability, Gender and Social Inclusion 5. Local Governance