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”.
Dr. Yao Graham, Coordinator of Third World Network-Africa (TWN-Africa), has commended the efforts of Livelihood & Environment Ghana (LEG) for its impact on the communities and people affected by mining companies.
Dr. Graham, who was the special guest of honour at the 20th anniversary celebration of LEG held at Charleva Hotel at Adoato-Adumanu on Monday, 30th December 2024, said the great impact of LEG clearly justifies his continuous calls for all organisations to come together to ensure that communities and citizens benefit from mineral revenue.
Dr.Yao Graham,LEG Executive director in a group photograph with participants
He stated emphatically that abuse of power and intimidation are characteristic of mining companies.
According to him, chiefs who are supposed to stand by their people affected by the actions of such mining companies and successive governments care less about this issue because of their personal interests.
Mr Richard Adjei-Poku,the Executive Director of the Livelihood Environment Ghana (LEG), Dr Yoa Graham and some board members
“Some chiefs who are supposed to work for their people are now supporting mining companies to violate the rights of their own people. Some chiefs are now claiming powers they don’t have by asking their people to ask permission before even speaking or demanding their rights,” he pointed out.
Dr. Graham noted that in spite of the great efforts by LEG, among the interventions of other organisations, there are still a number of problems affecting people living within mining companies.
He said issues of intimidation, abuse of power and the rights of people are still prevalent despite the efforts of LEG and that of other organisations.
“Let’s all commit ourselves to these efforts to ensure that mineral resources are used for the benefit of the citizens and no Ghanaian rights are violated,” he added.
Dr. Graham, therefore, stressed the need for all the organisations to come and work together to help achieve the best results they’re looking for.
“We look forward for more than 20 years of LEG growth and opportunities and we’ll continue to work with you,” he said.
LEG, one of the leading environmental advocacy organisations in Ghana, held its 20th anniversary celebration under the theme: “Reimagining Nature, Livelihood and Community Rights”.
The vision of LEG is to see a diverse environment where there are equity, inclusiveness and decentralised decision-making free from all forms of impunity and human rights abuses, and also offer equal opportunities for all classes of people to enhance sustainable development.
The mission of LEG is to empower women, the youth and the marginalised 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.
The secretary to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Mining Committee, Mr. Samuel Hadjor , has strongly denied allegations made by the National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye popularly known as Nana B.
The NPP claims that Dr. Aubynn is involved in recruiting thugs in the Obuasi East Constituency to disrupt the upcoming December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
According to Nana Boakye, the NDC has been training thugs under the pretext of private security training in communities such as Obuasi East.
In response, Samuel Hadjor categorically refuted these accusations, stating:
“On November 12, 2024, the NDC Mining Committee held a public mining conference at Mawuli Hotel in Obuasi.
The purpose of the said conference was to introduce and discuss the NDC’s mining policy document with miners and stakeholders.
The event was attended by notable personalities, including the former Ashanti Regional Minister, Alexander Ackon and the former MCE for Obuasi, Richard Kwasi Ofori Buadi, popularly known as Zuba.
“This conference was advertised widely in the media, with journalists from GHOne TV, Joy News, TV3, and local media in Obuasi providing coverage.
Furthermore, the conference took place on the same day, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was campaigning in Obuasi. This was far from a secret meeting, and I urge Ghanaians to treat the NPP’s baseless claims with the contempt they deserve.”
Mr. Hadjor explained that,the NPP’s accusations stem from fear and frustration as the party struggles to gain the trust of mining communities.
He emphasized that, the NDC’s mining policy document has resonated with miners and injected renewed hope into the small-scale mining sector, making the NPP apprehensive about losing support.
“The NDC is poised to win the 2024 elections. As a party committed to peace and stability, we will not engage in any actions that threaten the security of this country. I urge all Ghanaians to disregard the falsehoods being peddled by the NPP and to turn out in large numbers on December 7, to vote massively for the NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama and all NDC parliamentary candidates ,” Samuel Hadjor reiterated.
He,also appealed to miners across the country, to vote against the NPP, highlighting the NDC’s commitment to reforming the small-scale mining sector to benefit miners and their communities.
Signed:
The Koforidua Circuit Court A has sentenced a Togolese national, Shaibu Yaw, to 18 years in prison with hard labor for engaging in illegal mining activities at Akyem Mouso in the Atewa West District of the Eastern Region.
This verdict follows Shaibu’s arrest during a crackdown on illegal mining, a growing issue in Ghana’s fight against environmental degradation caused by “galamsey” operations.
The court, presided over by High Court Judge Her Lordship Abigail Animah Asare, who was serving in an additional capacity at the circuit court, convicted Shaibu after he pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime related to illegal mining and engaging in mining without a valid license. Alongside his prison sentence, Shaibu was fined 10,000 penalty units for both counts.
The 18-year prison term will run concurrently, meaning Shaibu will serve both sentences at the same time. However, the fine, which translates to a total of 20,000 penalty units, will run consecutively. This means that the financial penalties for each count must be paid separately, increasing the total amount he owes.
When offered the chance to speak before sentencing, Shaibu pleaded with the court to allow him to return to his home country, Togo, with a promise never to return to Ghana to engage in illegal mining. However, the judge explained that while he has the right to appeal the ruling, the severity of the crime, given its widespread environmental consequences, necessitated such a firm sentence.
In delivering her judgment, Her Lordship Animah Asare emphasized the seriousness of illegal mining, noting its devastating impact on Ghana’s natural resources. She called on her court interpreters to clearly explain the ruling to all present and urged everyone, particularly those involved in “galamsey,” to cease such activities immediately.
In addition to Shaibu’s sentencing, the court also addressed the cases of five other individuals arrested for alleged illegal mining at Akyem Adasawase. These individuals, namely Eric Niko, David Kodza, Robert Mawuli, Awuli David, and Nana Kojo Ayimadu, had been arrested on October 16, 2024, by the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners Taskforce. The court granted them bail, but only after significant deliberation.
Eric Niko and David Kodza were granted bail set at GH¢250,000, each with two sureties that must be justified with property. The sureties are required to provide evidence that their property is sufficient to cover the bail amount, and all necessary documents must be verified by the court.
Meanwhile, Robert Mawuli and Awuli David were granted bail of GH¢50,000, each with two sureties, who must be persons of high standing within the community. This provision ensures that the court has confidence in the ability of these individuals to ensure that the accused meet their bail conditions.
Nana Kojo Ayimadu was granted a slightly lower bail of GH¢20,000, but his bail terms were stricter. He must provide three sureties, all of whom must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and they are required to leave copies of their Ghana Cards with the court as an additional measure of accountability.
The state prosecution had requested additional time to amend certain details in the charge sheets for the five accused, prompting the court to adjourn the hearing to November 4, 2024.
Following the court’s decision, the Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners in
Akim Oda, Mohammad Amao, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the case. Speaking to Channel One News, he reiterated the association’s commitment to continuing its efforts to combat illegal mining, particularly in areas where such activities have severely polluted water bodies and degraded the environment.
The court’s actions represent a firm stance against illegal mining, which remains a critical issue in Ghana’s quest to preserve its natural resources and protect its environment from further harm.
An Energy Law Policy Expert, Mr J. K. Owusu-Boakye, has predicted that the world oil prices will fall as a result of oversupply of oil by OPEC and China, despite fears of Israel attacking Iranian oil installations and the decimation of Hamas and Hezbollah insurgents in the Middle East.
Speaking to some visiting youth delegates from the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Germany and Philippines, who form first-time voters on university campuses, Mr. Owusu-Boakye indicated that Ghana’s economy was gaining stability and momentum to withstand the ongoing currency vagaries and also ensure that voters gain faith in the economic stabilisation policies of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) which are geared towards the return to growth trajectory for economic recovery after the deadly COVID -19 pandemic.
J.K.Owusu-Boakye
The deadly pandemic caused global hardships and disruptions in the world economies.
According to him, Ghana is going to see falls in gasoline prices by the end of the year, thereby closing around GH¢11-12 , and this will give credence to government’s management of the economy.
He added that this would be a good news for the growth of the economy which is expected to close at 5% GDP.
Mr. Owusu-Boakye, who was a special aide to the former Member of Parliament for Old Tafo and former Finance Minister, Dr. Anthony Osei Akoto, therefore, advised the youth, especially first-time voters, to vote to elect the next president based on his policies that should aim at creating and adopting modern digital technologies which could reduce bottlenecks and graft in the body politic.
“Such policies should also help the youth to engage in the 4th industrial revolution and the just and fair energy transition to reduce carbon emissions, and create investments and jobs in renewable energy sources, which Ghana has in abundance,” he added.
On his part, an Ace Broadcaster, Dr. Luther King, called for peaceful elections, urging the youth to see it as a duty to protect the future of Ghana in a very tensed environment in the country.
