The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) is calling on the Ghanaian government to intervene urgently as fuel prices continue to climb, marking the third consecutive increase this year.
Consumers are feeling the impact, with petrol and diesel prices rising once again in February, following similar hikes in January. Shell has raised petrol prices from GH₵15.59 per litre to GH₵16.23, while diesel has increased from GH₵15.79 to GH₵16.20. Meanwhile, Star Oil has maintained petrol at GH₵14.99, but increased diesel prices from GH₵14.99 to GH₵15.37.
These price surges are driven by global crude oil market fluctuations and the depreciation of the local currency, making fuel importation more expensive.
COPEC’s Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah, has cautioned that if this trend continues, businesses and consumers will face prolonged economic hardship.
Speaking with Citi Business News, Amoah emphasized the need for a well-planned approach to stabilizing fuel prices.“Clearly, we are not out of the woods and something has to give. A plan or a strategy needs to be in place to cushion all of us. You can’t continue to have your refinery down. You can’t continue to import everything.
“You can’t continue not to have a strategic reserve at this point. You can’t continue to be a price taker and expect that your people will get fuel at the price you want it. Something needs to be done,”** he stated.
COPEC’s strong call for action highlights growing concerns about the impact of rising fuel prices on the cost of living and economic stability. The group is urging the government to take immediate steps to address the situation and ease the financial burden on Ghanaians.Source:Dailymailgh.com
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced plans to engage traditional leaders in the coming days to address the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking to journalists after meeting with staff of the Ministry on his first day in office, the Minister reaffirmed the John Dramani Mahama government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies by ensuring a regulated and sustainable mining sector.
Armah-Kofi Buah emphasised the importance of collaboration with traditional authorities, acknowledging their critical role in land and resource management.
Armah-Kofi Buah
“How do we make sure that illegal mining or galamsey is completely fashioned out and that we create a pathway for anybody who wants to engage in mining to do it legally and environmentally friendly way and make sure that we also protect our water bodies? You will see that shortly I will be visiting critical traditional authorities, engaging them, and soliciting advice and support as we go forward from here.”
He also announced a monthly media briefing on steps taken in dealing with the menace.
“We will need your [the media] support to commend people who are doing the right thing. We will need your [the media] support to expose people who are destroying our water bodies. And you have our complete support.
“I intend to engage you [the media] on a monthly basis to update you on the progress we are making. And you are going to be part of this.”By:Nii Ayikwei Okine
Tensions are running high at the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) as National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters and staff members strongly oppose a proposed appointment of Ing. Mark Baah, a known New Patriotic Party (NPP) sympathiser, as the company’s acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Mr. Baah’s initial appointment as CEO in 2021 was revoked due to some internal NPP competition, but he is now being considered for the top spot again just three months shy of retirement.
This move has sparked concerns among GRIDCo staff members and some NDC sympathisers, who argue that there are qualified NDC members who should be considered for the position.
Critics point to an NDC bigwig who is allegedly using his influence to push Mr. Baah’s appointment despite being an NPP sympathiser.
The motive of the NDC bigwig is being questioned; some NDC members think he is prioritising shared business interests over party loyalty.
The staff members are hopeful that the leadership of the NDC will heed their calls for the proposed appointment to be reconsidered. They have expressed their dissatisfaction emphasising that the energy sector should not be exposed to possible sabotage that could bring back dumsor to make the NDC government unpopular again, by appointing an NPP sympathiser to the sector.
National Coalition on Mining (NCOM) – Ghana
C/O Third World Network – Africa
Post Office Box AN19452
9 Asmara Street, East Legon,
Accra
Tel: 0302 511189/503816/500419
Email: environment@twnafrica.org
STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL COALITION ON MINING (NCOM) ON HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES BY STATE SECURITY IN MINING COMMUNITIES IN GHANA
The National Coalition in Mining (NCOM) condemns the recent killing of 12 citizens and the wounding of many more by state security operatives in separate incidents at the Newmont (NGGL) Ahafo South Gold Mine in Ntotroso and the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) mine in Obuasi.
A short video attached below;
In the late hours of Saturday 18 January 2025, soldiers guarding AGA’s concession in Obuasi shot and killed nine suspected small-scale miners who allegedly breached portions of AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi concession.
Some terrible scenes
About 14 others sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving treatment. A week earlier(on 9 January 2025), 3 young men were killed at the NGGL Ahafo concession, allegedly for trespassing and stealing. In both cases the claims of both the Police and Military that the killings took place during a confrontation have been challenged by survivors.
Some scenes of the attacks
These tragic incidents which have been widely condemned, are the latest in the increasing role of state security operatives in violence against citizens in mining communities on behalf of private mining companies. From Ntotroso, Ketu South, Talensi, Ada Songor through to Obuasi, there are harrowing tales of state security being used to brutalise communities on behalf of corporate interest resulting in deaths and the injuring of many .
After a sustained campaign by the National Coalition on Mining, in the 2000s, the state security was withdrawn from mining communities but recent events reveal return to the bad practices of the past.
It is very disturbing that in our constitutional democracy state security agencies have been turned into the default security for private mining firms, ready to use lethal force against fellow citizens who trespass into the concessions of multinational mining companies. Currently almost all of these mining companies in the country have the military on call, with some either hosting military bases or in the process of constructing one. It is interesting to note that AngloGold Ashanti is constructing a military base at Anyankyirem, near Obuasi, at a cost of 6 million US dollars. According to the company, this facility is expected to boost the security of residents of Obuasi as if the multinational company is in charge of the country’s security. It is now evident that this military facility will only serve to protect the company’s interests. Without prejudice to the right of multinational mining companies engaged
in legitimate business to protect their investments, we believe that relying on the state to provide such security is not right, especially when these security agencies end up brutalising the very citizens whose taxes go to fund them.
Over the years a number of community members and suspected illegal miners have been killed and maimed.
In other jurisdictions, the killing of one citizen is enough to marshal state resources to investigate and unravel the truth. Sadly, in our case, it appears the state investigative bodies are not interested in unravelling the truth so as to underline the sanctity of life, the accountability of themilitary and Police and ultimately seek justice for the bereaved families. Often in the past the security agencies involved in the incidents are the same bodies that purport to investigate them. Until independent investigations are conducted and the incidents brought to closure, we risk seeing a recurrence.
In the early-2000s the National Coalition on Mining (NCOM), a grouping of over 30 civil society organisations and individuals working on diverse thematic areas carried out a campaign to address human rights violations in mining areas including such brutalities meted out to citizens by state security acting on behalf of some multinational corporations in the country.
The campaign led to an investigation by the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) which published a comprehensive report in 2008. CHRAJ recommended the withdrawal of the Military and Police from the mines.
The NCOM campaign led to the withdrawal of security forces from the premises of most of these multinational companies.
It is therefore distressing that almost twenty years on, this canker has reared its head again, even much fiercer than before.
NCOM believes that the state must do more to protect its citizens, especially those living in marginalised mining communities. In the light of this we make the following demands:
Demands:
1. We welcome President Mahama’s directive for a probe into what happened in Obuasi. We
however call on the Government to establish a Commission of Enquiry to probe the deaths in
both Ntotroso and Obuasi. This will unravel the truth behind the killings the guilty can be
brought to justice, and the bereaved families properly compensated.
2. We call on the Ministries of Defence and Interior to oversee the immediate withdrawal of the
military and police from all mining sites across the country. Their presence has caused more
harm than good, and led to killings and community agitations. Mining companies in the
country must resort to the use of constructive dialogue to redress all grievances
The Ministries of Defence and Interior must make a full public disclosure of the terms on which
the security services have been deployed around the mines and the rules of engagement
under which they operate and use their arms.
The government of Ghana must respect its commitments to international human rights
protocols by ensuring that communities are protected from all forms of harm, including from
state security agencies.
NCOM believes that every Ghana deserves to live in a safe and secure environment while going about their duties. The state has a responsibility to ensure that this is possible. Not only should the state be seen to be protecting corporate interests, it must ensure that its citizens are well protected from the state security agencies.
Thank you
Third World Network – Africa (TWN – Africa)
Centre for Social Impact Studies (CeSIS)
Livelihood and Environment, Ghana (LEG)
Alhassan Atta-Quayson, PhD
Savannah Research and Advocacy Network (SRAN)
HELP Foundation Africa
Innovation Development Alternatives (IDEAS)
GOCAP
Tano Women Empowerment and Development Association (TWEDA)10. Centre for Climate Change Advocacy and Development
Women Empowerment and Advocacy Network
Network for Health and Relief Foundation (NHRF)
Muthashie Foundation Africa
For more information, kindly contact:
Richard Ellimah
0244514559
Obuasi
Richard Adjei-Poku
0243388290
Kenyasi
3.Cornelius Adedze
0244591764
Accra
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a government policy to ban the issuance of mining leases in all forest reserves as part of efforts to protect the country’s natural environment from destruction.
Speaking at the swearing-in of the 3rd batch of ministers on Thursday, January 30, he noted that the government would also move swiftly to revoke all licenses issued for the same purpose under the previous government.
Mr Mahama emphasised the need to safeguard Ghana’s forests from illegal mining (galamsey) and unsustainable exploitation.
“It shall be the policy of this government to ban the issuance of leases for mining in all forest reserves. We must also move promptly to revoke all leases issued for the same purpose under the previous government.”
John Mahama
The President further clarified that his administration has not authorised any mining activities in forest reserves, dismissing recent reports to the contrary.
He called on the relevant ministers, including the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Minister for the Interior, and the Attorney General, to take immediate action against those engaging in illegal mining.
“No member of this government is permitted to engage in any form of small-scale mining or galamsey. Any such persons will face swift and severe sanctions,” he warned.
Additionally, President Mahama announced plans for a national stakeholder consultation on illegal mining to develop a collective strategy for addressing the issue.
Key initiatives, he noted will include: the introduction of a River Guard programme to employ youth from affected communities in protecting water bodies, cleaning and removing toxic substances from polluted rivers, reclaiming degraded lands and restoring forest reserves, training small-scale miners in sustainable mining practices, and establishing a Gold Board to ensure Ghana fully benefits from its gold resources.
Data from the Ghana Mining Repository shows that over a hundred mining-related licenses were issued in the last week of former President Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Out of the 103 licenses issued in the year 2025, 102 were granted between January 1st and January 6th, before the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama.
This means only one license has been issued under the current government.
The Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency, and former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, MP has charged the John Mahama Government to keep its promise of banning all forms of mining in forest reserves in the country.
He said many people voted for President John Dramani Mahama based on this promise, and the President must keep his part of the bargain by banning all forms of mining in Forest Reserves.
Samuel A. Jinapor
The Legislator made these comments during the vetting of the Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, on Monday, 27th January, 2024.In the lead-up to the General Elections, there were calls on the Government to ban all forms of mining in the forest reserves of the country.
Hon. Jinapor who was then the sector Minister argued that there were large-scale mining companies like Newmont and AngloGold who have been mining responsibly and sustainably in our forest reserves for years and that a blanket ban on all forms of mining in forest reserves would not be feasible.
According to Mr. Jinapor, apart from the sustainability of the operations of these companies, they employ several Ghanaians and contribute significantly to the national economy.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), however, joined calls for the ban on all forms of mining in forest reserves and promised to do so if voted into power. Speaking at a public lecture at the Christian Service University in Kumasi, on 20th June 2024, President Mahama said “I will ban all mining in forest reserves because I believe that many of the trees in the reserves, which are more than 700 years old, are more precious assets than any mineral that lies beneath them.”
President Mahama repeated this promise at an engagement with the Media in Accra on 7th July 2024, when he said “We are going to ban mining in forest reserves. As for that, it is non-negotiable.”
At the vetting of the Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources on Monday, Mr Jinapor asked Mr Armah-Buah whether the NDC would keep its promise of banning all forms of mining in forest reserves. Mr. Armah Buah in his answer, however, intimated that large-scale mining companies are not responsible for the destruction of the country’s forest reserves, suggesting that their operations may not be banned.
This prompted the former Minister to remind him that it was a promise made to the people of Ghana to secure their votes, and the President would have to honour that promise.
The Minister-designate, also, said he was unable to say whether the Government would declare a state of emergency, and that if given the nod he would assess the situation to see the next steps to be taken.Mr. Armah Buah is expected to take over from Mr. Jinapor following his successful vetting. Source : King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com
As the world commemorates the International Day of Clean Energy on January 26th, 2025, Ghana finds itself at a pivotal moment. The day symbolizes hope and progress, a reminder of the transformative potential clean energy holds for addressing global challenges such as climate change and energy insecurity. Hon. Francis Owusu-Akyaw, Member of Parliament for Juaben, delivered an impassioned statement marking the occasion and highlighting the significance of clean energy for Ghana’s sustainable development.
Francis Owusu-Akyaw
Ghana’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels has long come at a cost—rising global temperatures, extreme weather, and adverse health impacts. However, the country is increasingly embracing renewable energy solutions. From solar panels on rooftops to wind farms powering rural areas, Ghana’s commitment to clean energy signals a brighter, more sustainable future.
“Clean energy is more than a technology; it is a commitment to our planet, our people, and our shared prosperity,” said Hon. Owusu-Akyaw.
Despite progress, obstacles remain. High initial costs for renewable energy infrastructure, especially in rural areas, technological upgrades for the national grid, and limited public awareness about the benefits of clean energy are just a few of the challenges facing Ghana. However, Hon. Owusu-Akyaw emphasized the opportunities clean energy presents which includes Job Creation,
Innovation and
Global Cooperation
Ghana’s recent discovery of lithium in commercial quantities is a significant milestone. Lithium, essential for renewable energy technologies like batteries, positions Ghana as a potential leader in the global clean energy sector. However, Hon. Owusu-Akyaw stressed the need for sustainable practices to ensure the resource benefits communities and ecosystems.
Hon. Owusu-Akyaw called for bold, inclusive action. “The Government of Ghana must prioritize renewable energy policies, businesses must lead with innovation, and communities, both rural and urban, must embrace the change.”
Imagine a Ghana where clean energy powers homes, factories, and vehicles—a nation where pollution is a thing of the past, and energy is accessible to all. This is not a distant dream but a tangible future within our reach.
The International Day of Clean Energy is a time to reflect on progress, acknowledge challenges, and recommit to a sustainable future. As Ghana takes its place in the global clean energy revolution, the message is clear: the journey toward sustainability is not just a national mission—it is a shared global endeavor.
Together, we can ensure that the vision of a clean, sustainable future becomes a reality for generations to come.
Below is the full statement written and delivered by the Juaben constituency legislator.
Today, we commemorate International Day of Clean Energy a powerful symbol of hope,
progress, and a sustainable future. This day marks a call to action and a celebration of the
transformative potential of clean energy to address some of the most pressing challenges
of our time.
Clean energy is more than a technology; it is a commitment to our planet, our people, and
our shared prosperity. In a world facing the dual crises of climate change and energy
insecurity, clean energy stands as a beacon of possibility. It offers a way to power our
homes, our industries, and our aspirations without compromising the health of our
environment or the well-being of future generations.
For decades, Ghana has relied heavily on fossil fuels, a dependence that has come at a great
cost—rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and a toll on human health.
Clean energy represents a pivot away from this trajectory. It is a pathway to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and fostering resilience against the
challenges ahead.
Ghana has been making significant strides in adopting clean energy solutions to address its
energy needs, combat climate change, and achieve sustainable development goals. The
country’s efforts reflect its commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable and
sustainable energy sources.
The challenges facing the adoption of clean energy may include high initial costs for
renewable energy infrastructure particularly in rural areas, enforcement and incentivization
mechanisms, integrating variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the
national grid requires technological upgrades and the limited awareness about the benefits
of clean energy.
The Challenges notwithstanding, clean energy adoption in Ghana is more than a necessity;
it is an opportunity to transform the country’s energy landscape, reduce environmental
impact, and improve livelihoods. By addressing existing challenges and capitalizing on
opportunities, Ghana can continue to build a sustainable energy future that benefits its
people and inspires the region.
Today, we celebrate the remarkable strides made in clean energy development and
adoption. Wind farms now used in some parts of the country; solar panels gleam on
rooftops of some government and private institutions; and cities are transitioning to energy
saving electrical appliances, reducing pollution and enhancing quality of life of the
citizenry.
Yet, as much as we have achieved, there is still so much more to do. The clean energy
revolution is an opportunity to:
a. Create Jobs: The renewable energy sector is already employing millions
worldwide, with the promise of even more opportunities as we scale up our efforts
as a country;
b. Drive Innovation: From energy storage to smart grids, clean energy is at the
forefront of technological breakthroughs that will define the next century; and
c. Foster Global Cooperation: Clean energy unites us in a shared mission. It
transcends borders, encouraging nations to collaborate in pursuit of a greener, more
equitable future.
The Government of Ghana, with its recent discovery of lithium in commercial quantities
provides us with an undoubtedly great opportunity to move towards environmentally
friendly sources of energy for adoption and usage in homes, factories, vehicles, amongst others.
Lithium’s role in clean energy is profound and by prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and equitable practices, Ghana can harness the potential of lithium without compromising the well-being of communities and ecosystems.
However, these opportunities require action—bold, decisive, and inclusive action. The
Government of Ghana must prioritize renewable energy policies, businesses must lead with
innovation, and communities, both rural and urban, must embrace the change. Each of us
has a role to play. Whether through advocacy, education, or daily choices, we contribute
to a global movement that places sustainability at its core.
Imagine a world powered by clean energy, a world where cities, towns and villages are
vibrant and pollution-free, where energy is accessible to all, and where we live in harmony
with nature. This is not a distant dream; it is a future within our grasp, one we must
collectively strive to achieve.
To conclude, today, let us honour the progress we have made, acknowledge the work that
lies ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to a sustainable future powered by clean energy.
Together, we can ensure that this vision becomes a reality, not just for us but for the generations to come.
Livelihood Environment Ghana(LEG), a Sunyani-based environmentally inclined Non-governmental Organisation, which is currently operating in over 46 communities in Seven regions,
has held its 20th anniversary celebration and Annual General Meeting(AGM) in Kumasi.
The event was held on Monday,30th December,2024 at Charleva hotel at Adoato-Adumanu in Kumasi,was on the theme “Reimagining nature, Livelihood and Community Rights”.
The vision of LEG is to see a diverse environment where there is equity, inclusiveness and decentralised decision-making,free from all forms of impunity and human rights abuses and offer equal opportunity for all class of people to enhance sustainable development”.
With the mission of empowering women,youth and the marginalized for active citizenship and engagement with policy-makers and duty-bearers to promote sustainable livelihood , environmental justice, community rights and improve minerals governance and policies through, policy proposals and Advocacy to enhance sustainable development”.
In his welcome statement,Mr Richard Adjei-Poku,the Executive director of LEG, recounted that,prior to the formation of LEG, an organization known as Guards of the Earth and the Vulnerable (GEV) was formed in 2001 by (Richard Adjei-Poku) and a group of farmers such as Thomas Oppong, Simobrass, Atta Nsiah, Seth Appiah Agyemang, Thomas Addai, Ataa Brini, Eric Addai the former District Chief Executive of Asutifi North District Assembly and others.
He explained that the cardinal reason for the formation of these organisations was to ensure fair and adequate payment of compensation for crops and other properties which were destroyed by the activities of the mining. GEV was initially known as the Ahafo Concerned Communities Affected by Mining (ACCAM).
The full statement delivered by the Executive director of LEG,Mr.Richard Adjei-Poku at the 20th Anniversary Celebration is reproduced below;
Brief history of LEG
To God be the Glory, Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG) is Twenty Years Old. The two decades journey has not been easy; full of experiences and learnings, interesting and monotonous, ups and downs. Thanks, and Glory be to God for how far He has brought.
As many of you may be aware, Ahafo is rich in mineral resources particularly gold as the region lies within the economically viable trending volcanic belts on which many of the largest gold mining companies in Ghana operate. As a result, the area became a destination for transnational mining companies between 1995 and 2001. Many mining companies came to do exploration for gold including BRGM, Centenary, Bonsu Gold Belt, La-Source Mining, Rank Mining, Normandy Ghana Gold among others and finally Newmont came to settle in 2001.
Preceding to the arrival of Newmont, as a staff of Normandy Ghana Gold, I have had a terrible experience from Tarkwa through a sensitization workshop organized by TWN Africa in Kenyasi which I happened to organize the grounds. The experienced workshop changed my perception and interest to work for the company rather than seeking the interest and the welfare of my people particularly the welfare of the farmers whom the workshop revealed as high risk victims because of the nature of the operation as surface gold mining.
Prior to the formation of LEG, an organization known as Guards of the Earth and the Vulnerable (GEV) was formed in 2001 by me (Richard Adjei-Poku) and a group of farmers such as Thomas Oppong, Simobrass, Atta Nsiah, Seth Appiah Agyemang, Thomas Addai, Ataa Brini, Eric Addai the former District Chief Executive of Asutifi North District Assembly and others.
The cardinal reason for the formation of these organisations was to ensure fair and adequate payment of compensation for crops and other properties which were destroyed by the activities of the mining. GEV was initially known as the Ahafo Concerned Communities Affected by Mining (ACCAM). Towards the end of the year 2001, ACCAM was changed to GEV following a revision of their objectives from the narrow compensation issue to include a border advocacy role, environmental sustainability and the protection of the rights and interest of the vulnerable. In 2004, Newmont made an offer to GEV to serve as the community liaison tool.
This offer appeared to undermine the stated objectives and autonomy of GEV. Failure on the part of Mr. Eric Addai, the then Executive Director of GEV and majority of Board members of GEV to recognize the potential risks of the offer led to their acceptance of it from Newmont Ghana Gold Limited. As a result, after the meeting in Accra between Eric Addai, Richard Adjei-Poku and TWN-Africa proved futile, Adjei-Poku decided to break away from GEV and founded LEG in July 2004 with together with Atta Nsiah.
Mr.Richard Adjei-Poku Executive director of LEG
The moral and technical support in the formation of LEG came from Dr. Abdulai Darimani, then Environmental Program’s Officer and employee of the Third Word Network-Africa (TWN-Africa) who later became the Chairman of Board of Directors of LEG between the period of 2017 – 2021.
LEG was formed to deal with the issues left behind by GEV after they had become fragmented with Newmont and to response to other growing social, environmental, livelihood and human rights threats from the company, a US multinational mining corporation.
LEG began with only one community, Kenyasi No.2 without office space. Meetings were held in Asutifi Educational Complex classroom.
The organization with support from Third Word Network-Africa (TWN-Africa) in 2005 conducted what we called “community film shows” using the Prestea and Tarkwa examples. The purpose of the film show was to educate the communities on both the positive and the negative effects of surface gold mining because the then Newmont and the government were preaching solely the good things about mining without the negative aspects.
Mining was a new thing to the people of Ahafo therefore the film show provided them with sufficient and useful information on surface gold mining which helped the communities in most of their decisions with the company.
During the film show, some community members willingly offered themselves to work with the organization as community volunteer. The communities in where the film show took place include Kenyasi No.1, Kenyasi No.2, Ntotroso, Gyedu and Wamahinso all in the Ahafo South project of Newmont in the Asutifi North District. The other communities were Yamfo, Susanso, Tanoso, Afrisipa, Techire, Adrobaa, Bisi, Kromfrom, Subriso and Mosikrom in the Ahafo North project area of Newmont in the Tano North Municipality.
In 2006, the organization with support from TWN-Africa rented office accommodation, conducted election to appoint Board members and other officials including the Executive Director for the first time and acquired a legal status as an NGO through registration with the Registrar General’s Department, Accra on March 23rd, 2007. In that same year that we received our first time Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) grant support which helped furnished the office with the necessary office equipment.
The Board of Directors of the organization with the late Adu Yaw Saliu as the chairman worked till December 2012 before new board members with Dr. Abdulai Darimani as chairman took over in January 2013 – December, 2017, followed by the third Board of Directors with Dr. John Adu Kumi who is now an Associate professor took over from January, 2018 to December, 2021 and succeeded by the current Board with Professor (Mrs.) Mercy Afua Adutwumwaa Derkyi as chair and Dr. Erica MacGranaham as vice chair, the first time two women occupying the positions of Chair and the Vice Chair.
LEG has worked tirelessly through its community advocacy and sensitization programs, capacity building and training sessions, women economic empowerment, afforestation, community rights and litigation, engagement with corporate bodies, duty bearers and policymakers, networking and strengthened media engagements to enhance the living conditions of the poor and the marginalized in its 46 operational communities better and the mother earth a safe place to live.
2.0 The Struggle of LEG
The unsustainable practices of mining over the years have strained the country’s natural ecosystems. Ghana has had to bear the brunt of environmental degradation, from deforestation and pollution to the effects of mining and climate change. The Ahafo, Eastern, Ashanti and Western regions, for instance, have seen significant ecological damage due to large-scale gold mining operations, leading to the destruction of forests, water bodies, and biodiversity.
It is against this background that LEG for the past years has exploited different strategies and tactics for addressing, environmental, mineral governance, livelihood and community rights problems and has learnt to offer solidarity to victims.
As Livelihood & Environment Ghana (LEG) celebrates 20 years of advocacy and achievements, we reflect on our theme for this special milestone: “Reimagining Nature, Livelihood, and Community Rights.” This theme captures the journey we have undertaken and the vision that guides us, a vision for a future where nature flourishes, livelihoods are sustainable, and communities are empowered to actively engage and claim their rights.
Environmental Sustainability
Nature is the foundation of our existence and the bedrock of sustainable development. To achieving environmental sustainability is critical and it is one of goals of the SDGs particularly Goal 6 which aim at getting clean water and sanitation, Goal 11 which envisage sustainable cities and communities, Goal 13 reducing impact of climate change and 14 and 15 wishing good life on water and land.
On environmental sustainability so many strategies have been adopted over the year to achieving sustainable environment for present and generations yet unborn.
Forest – Ghana’s forest cover was approximately 8.4 million hectares around 1909 has depleted little over 7.1 million.
Campaigns, Sensitization forum, radio education, floats etc. E.g. A nation-wide education on “Sustainable use of Ghana’s forest resources” in collaboration with Forestry Services Division with funding support from Womadix Foundation through GGF.
Another example is the 2 afforestation projects (LEG’s Tana Restoration Project and LEG’s Akantansu Restoration Project).
LEG’s Tano Restoration project at Ntotroso I the Ahafo region (LEG, 2009)
The district forest officer handing over the safety boots and cutlass to CFPG member
We establish what we called “Community Forest Protection Guards in every forest fringe communities after the training and give them the fire fighting materials. So the picture you see is one of the training sessions at Konkontreso in the Asutifi South in the Ahafo region.
2.2 Sustainable Livelihood
When asked: “what is a livelihood”, some people would struggle to answer. “Making a living”, “supporting a family”, or “my job” all describe a livelihood. The term is well recognized as humans inherently develop and implement strategies to ensure their survival. The hidden complexity behind the term comes to light when governments, civil society, and external organizations attempt to assist people whose means of making a living is threatened, damaged, or destroyed. From extensive learning and practice, various definitions have emerged that attempt to represent the complex nature of a livelihood.
According to (Stewart Carloni and Crowley, 2005) Livelihoods can be defined as the different types of assets, abilities, and activities that enable a person or household to survive.
For many in Ghana, especially in mining-affected regions, livelihoods have been disrupted by environmental degradation and displacement. Agriculture, which forms the backbone of rural economies, has been significantly affected by the destruction of arable land and water sources.
Reimagining livelihoods involves thinking beyond traditional economic activities. It means diversifying income sources, promoting innovation, and creating opportunities that are both inclusive and environmentally conscious. It also calls for addressing systemic barriers, such as gender inequality and youth unemployment, to ensure that no one is left behind. At its core, reimagining livelihoods is about restoring dignity and hope. It is about ensuring that every individual has the tools and resources to lead a meaningful and productive life, while safeguarding the environment that sustains us all.
Over the past two decades, LEG has championed initiatives that empower marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Through skills training, seed funding, and support for alternative income-generating activities and soft loans we have provided opportunities for communities to rebuild and thrive.
In the past nine year we have trained 3,753 people in five mining affected communities (Yamfo, Susuanso, Afrisipakrom, Terchire and Adrobaa) and two non-mining communities (Bogyampa and Sunyani) on different sustainable skills and offered them basic business and financial management principles.
We have supported 2,017 women and 13 men (youth) within Yamfo, Susuanso, Afrisipakrom, Terchire and Sunyani with an amount Ghs 10,200,000.00 as soft loan through our program called “women economic empowerment”. Most of the beneficiaries have either set up of new businesses or expanded their existing businesses. Also, under this module, access to clean water has been made possible in some communities through the provision of mechanized boreholes and we have a good number of testimonies and recommendation from the communities we operate.
See one of the testimonies below from one of the beneficiaries. And note that with the women economic empowerment prpgram with did it in collaboration with TWEDA (Tano Women Empowerment and Development Association).
Vida Karikari, Yamfo – TWEDA and LEG have made tremendous impacts on my life over the years. For instance, the two institutions have financially supported me to see one of my children through the Yamfo College of Health while one of my children has been able to complete senior high school and has recently been recruited into the Ghana Prison Service. Without the financial support by these two organisations, I have my doubts if my children could have come this far. In Yamfo here, this financial support has enabled many parents to cater for their children’s education and there are many of them who can testify to this.
2.3 Community Right Promotion
Community rights are fundamental to social justice and equity. They ensure that communities have the power to participate in decisions affecting their lives, access resources equitably, and live free from harm and exploitation.
Community Rights include Rights of Nature, such as the right of ecosystems to flourish and evolve; environmental rights, such as the right to clean air, pure water, and healthy soil, worker rights, such as the right to living wages and equal pay for equal work and democratic rights, such as the right of local community self-government, and the right to free and fair elections.
However, these rights are often overlooked, particularly in regions affected by industrial activities like mining. Community rights are frequently enshrined in national constitutions or international treaties but rarely upheld in real life. As a result, when development schemes arrive, communities have few means to defend themselves against exploitative projects.
Over the years, LEG has worked tirelessly to champion the rights of our project communities. Through LEG’s interventions, most of these communities have won key legal tussles which appeared unsurmountable hurdles prior to their encounter with LEG.
Example:
Campaigns and education a nation-wide campaign was embarked with the theme: “End Violence against women in mining communities in Ghana with support from Weber Foundation through Global Greengrants Fund (GGF). See Graphic publication and some pictures:
The following persons have been supported:
Sara Matu Ibrahim – we supported her to win a case in court against Pergah transport and Newmont, See the publication of the Sara’s case:
Picture with Richard and Sara Matu from Sunyani High Court room.
Gyan Kudjo – we supported Gyan Kudjo to received good severance package.
Gyan Cudjoe, a former worker of Vision Quarry – located in Buoku near Wenchi in the Bono region, who was laid off some years ago. My employer was reluctant to pay my severance package in accordance with law. I petitioned the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to intercede on my behalf but to no avail. I heard about LEG when it came to an outreach programme in Buoku, and I took advantage to approach its officials to inform them of my plight. LEG took up the issue and began the process of recovering my money. After a series of engagements between LEG and the company, half of my money was paid to me while the remaining half was advanced to me two weeks later.
What was even more exciting was that the amount of compensation paid to me was more than twice the amount paid to other workers who were also laid off but dealt directly with the company without any assistance by any NGO such as LEG.
4. Chirano, New Obrayeko Saga – we supported New Obreyeko community to receive a good deal in terms of corporate social responsibility from Chirano Gold Mining through dialogue and lobby meetings. See the picture below at one of the dialogue meetings.
Agartha Gyamfua and many more, which time will not permit me to capture all. See the picture and the testimony of Agartha Gyamfuaa.
Agartha Gyamfua, Kenyasi No.2 – About two years ago, my husband ejected my children and I from our matrimonial house and took over all other properties we had acquired together over time. Through LEG, I was able to pursue the case in court and secure victory. The court ruled that one of our two cocoa farms be given to me while our house is to be sold, and the money be shared among us. Additionally, the court awarded Ghs 83,000.00 as compensation and cost of my court expenses.
Conclusion:
In the next ten years ahead, we want to re-strategize and reimagine nature, livelihood and community rights through community level education and empowerment, research and policy advocacy so as to improve nature, promote community rights and enhance sustainable livelihood.
We also want to thank our partners and funders and acknowledgement for their immense support:
TWN – Africa
Oxfam Novib
STAR Ghana Foundation
Global Greengrants Fund (Weber Foundation and Womadix)
ISODEC
We also want to acknowledge and thank individuals and organizations whose names are not mentioned but has contributed one way or others to the success of LEG.
Information reaching this portal indicates that confusion and tension have rocked Newmont Ahafo South mine site area at Kenyasi in the Asutifi North Constituency of the Ahafo Region, as three boys have been confirmed dead following alleged shooting by police personnel guarding the mine.
According to a LEG community volunteer at Ntotroso, all the three boys were natives of Ntotroso, and they were suspected to have trespassed on the Newmont Ahafo South mine area on Thursday night (9th January 2025). The police officers guarding the area allegedly fired guns, killing the three boys.
Screenshot
Mr. Adjei-Poku, an environmental and human rights activist and Executive Director of LEG, has described the incident as barbaric and inhumane. He has also condemned the act and warned Newmont to prevent further incidents going forward.
Mr. Adjei-Poku further described the staff of Newmont as hypocrites, saying “they love and respect animals even more than their fellow human beings, because they don’t kill animals.”
Short video attached below;
“If you’re their staff and they find you killing even a snack, they will sack you,” he alleged.
The human rights activists has also revealed that from 2006 to date, 20 reported death cases have been recorded.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has released a brief report on the incident, claiming that calm has been restored, but many residents are locked up in their homes because of the high tension in the area as a result of the killings.
What has also fuelled the tension is the assertion by the police that the victims were thieves.
Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, the Inspector General of Police, has resolved to dispatch a special investigation team to ascertain the facts about the incident.
Livelihood Environment Ghana(LEG), a Sunyani-based environmentally inclined Non-governmental Organisation, which is currently operating in over 46 communities in Seven regions,has held its 20th anniversary and Annual General Meeting(AGM) in Kumasi.
The event was held on Monday,30th December,2024 at Charleva hotel at Adoato-Adumanu in Kumasi.
It was on the theme “Reimagining nature, Livelihood and Community Rights”.
The vision of LEG is to see a diverse environment where there is equity, inclusiveness and decentralised decision-making,free from all forms of impunity and human rights abuses and offer equal opportunity for all class of people to enhance sustainable development”.
With the mission of empowering women,youth and the marginalized for active citizenship and engagement with policy-makers and duty-bearers to promote sustainable livelihood , environmental justice, community rights and improve minerals governance and policies through, policy proposals and Advocacy to enhance sustainable development”.
In his welcome statement,Mr Richard Adjei-Poku,the Executive director of LEG, recounted that,prior to the formation of LEG, an organization known as Guards of the Earth and the Vulnerable (GEV) was formed in 2001 by (Richard Adjei-Poku) and a group of farmers such as Thomas Oppong, Simobrass, Atta Nsiah, Seth Appiah Agyemang, Thomas Addai, Ataa Brini, Eric Addai the former District Chief Executive of Asutifi North District Assembly and others.
He explained that the cardinal reason for the formation of these organisations was to ensure fair and adequate payment of compensation for crops and other properties which were destroyed by the activities of the mining. GEV was initially known as the Ahafo Concerned Communities Affected by Mining (ACCAM).
Mr.Adjei said towards the end of the year 2001, ACCAM was changed to GEV following a revision of their objectives from the narrow compensation issue to include a border advocacy role, environmental sustainability and the protection of the rights and interest of the vulnerable.
Mr.Ruchard Adjei-Poku, Executive director of LEG
” In 2004, Newmont made an offer to GEV to serve as the community liaison tool.
This offer appeared to undermine the stated objectives and autonomy of GEV. Failure on the part of Mr. Eric Addai, the then Executive Director of GEV and majority of Board members of GEV to recognize the potential risks of the offer led to their acceptance of it from Newmont Ghana Gold Limited”.
The Executive director said as a result, after the meeting in Accra between Eric Addai, Richard Adjei-Poku and TWN-Africa proved futile, Adjei-Poku decided to break away from GEV and founded LEG in July 2004 which together with Atta Nsiah.
Professor (Mrs.) Mercy Afua Adutwumwaa Derkyi, chairperson of LEG Board
The moral and technical support in the formation of LEG came from Dr. Abdulai Darimani, then Environmental Program’s Officer and employee of the Third Word Network-Africa (TWN-Africa) who later became the Chairman of Board of Directors of LEG between the period of 2017 – 2021.
He further explained that,
LEG was formed to deal with the issues left behind by GEV after they,had become fragmented with Newmont and to response to other growing social, environmental, livelihood and human rights threats from the company, a US multinational mining corporation.
He said LEG began with only one community, Kenyasi No.2 without office space. “Meetings were held in Asutifi Educational Complex classroom.
The organization with support from Third Word Network-Africa (TWN-Africa) in 2005 conducted what we called “community film shows” using the Prestea and Tarkwa examples. The purpose of the film show was to educate the communities on both the positive and the negative effects of surface gold mining because the then Newmont and the government were preaching solely the good things about mining without the negative aspects.
Mining was a new thing to the people of Ahafo, therefore, the film show provided them with sufficient and useful information on surface gold mining which helped the communities in most of their decisions with the company”.
He recalled that, during the film show, some community members willingly offered themselves to work with the organization as community volunteer. The communities in where the film show took place include Kenyasi No.1, Kenyasi No.2, Ntotroso, Gyedu and Wamahinso all in the Ahafo South project of Newmont in the Asutifi North District. The other communities were Yamfo, Susanso, Tanoso, Afrisipa, Techire, Adrobaa, Bisi, Kromfrom, Subriso and Mosikrom in the Ahafo North project area of Newmont in the Tano North Municipality.
In 2006, the organization with support from TWN-Africa rented office accommodation, conducted election to appoint Board members and other officials including the Executive Director for the first time and acquired a legal status as an NGO through registration with the Registrar General’s Department, Accra on March 23rd, 2007.
The Executive director said in that same year that they received their first time Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) grant support which helped furnished the office with the necessary office equipment.
The Board of Directors of the organization with the late Adu Yaw Saliu as the chairman worked till December 2012 before new board members with Dr. Abdulai Darimani as chairman took over in January 2013 – December, 2017, followed by the third Board of Directors with Dr. John Adu Kumi,who is now an Associate professor took over from January, 2018 to December, 2021 and succeeded by the current Board with Professor (Mrs.) Mercy Afua Adutwumwaa Derkyi as chair and Dr. Erica Mac Granaham as vice chair, the first time two women occupying the positions of Chair and the Vice Chair.
According to Mr Richard Adjei-Poku,LEG has worked tirelessly through its community advocacy and sensitization programs, capacity building and training sessions, women economic empowerment, afforestation, community rights and litigation, engagement with corporate bodies, duty bearers and policymakers, networking and strengthened media engagements to enhance the living conditions of the poor and the marginalized in its 46 operational communities better and the mother earth a safe place to live.
He revealed that,over the past two decades,LEG has championed initiatives that empower marginalized groups, including women,youth, and persons with disabilities through skills training,seed funding,and support for alternative income-generating activities and soft loans.
“We have provided opportunities for communities to rebuild and thrive.
In the past nine years,we have trained 3,753 people in five mining affected communities (Yamfo,Susuanso,Afrioakrom,Terchire and Adrobea) and two nin-mining communitities(Bogyampa and Sunyani) on different sustainable skills and offered the basic business and financial management principles.
We have supported 2,017 women and 13 men(youth) within Yamfo, Susuanso, Afrioakrom,Terchire and Sunyani with an amount of Ghc 10,200,000.00 as soft loan through our program called “women economic empowerment”..
According to the Executive director, most of the beneficiaries have either set up of new businesses or expanded their existing businesses.Also, under this model, access to clean water has been made possible in some communities through the provision of mechanized boreholes”.
