By:Isaac Amoah /tntnewspapergh.com
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.
