A Rocha Ghana, an NGO dedicated to environmental conservation held a two-day training workshop to equip stakeholders in extractive communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate, report, and negotiate for environmental justice, in alignment with Ghana’s mining laws and governance structures.
Held under the theme “Building Resilient and Active Communities in Extractive Landscapes in Ghana (BRACE),” the training brought together members of the media, civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional leaders, and community representatives from across the country.
The workshop aimed to build the capacity of participants through knowledge-sharing sessions, legal education, and practical advocacy tools to strengthen their role in protecting natural resources and defending community rights—grounded in Ghana’s legal framework on natural resource management.
Legal practitioner, Oliver Baker Vormawor, a key resource person, led an in-depth session on the legal framework governing natural resource governance in Ghana.
Participants were introduced to key legislations including the 1992 Constitution, the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and its amendments, and the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490).
These laws collectively establish the basis for responsible mining, detailing the procedures for licensing, environmental impact assessments, and community consultations.
Participants were educated on the processes of legal redress, the rights of communities, and constitutional provisions that safeguard the environment.
“Community members have the power to demand accountability. The law provides avenues for them to speak up and take action when their lands and water bodies are being destroyed,” Vormawor stated.
A special focus was given to mining in forest reserves, which is regulated under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 – Environmental Assessment Regulations.
This requires environmental approval and special permits from the Forestry Commission, along with authorisation from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
Without rigorous environmental scrutiny and stakeholder engagement, mining in these protected areas remains prohibited.
Through the BRACE initiative, A Rocha Ghana aims to change the narrative.
“Our goal is to see communities actively participating in the decisions that affect their lands and livelihoods,” said Wendy-Wenda Anani, Communications and Advocacy Officer at A Rocha Ghana.
“This training is part of a broader strategy to build resilience and ensure that the voices of the people are heard and respected.”
Participants were taken through real-life scenarios on how to engage duty-bearers, report environmental infractions, and negotiate community development agreements with mining companies.
They expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained and pledged to apply it in protecting their communities.
Agartha Sekyibea, a trader who participated in the training said, “This training has opened our eyes to the laws protecting our environment. We now feel confident to demand accountability and stand up for our lands and water bodies.”
The devastating impact of unsustainable mining in Ghana’s rural areas—from polluted rivers and degraded farmlands to the displacement of entire communities—remains a pressing concern.
While regulatory bodies like the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exist to oversee mining activities, enforcement gaps persist.
Despite these legal protections, illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—continues to threaten forest reserves, water bodies, and rural livelihoods. Weak enforcement and limited community involvement in environmental monitoring have exacerbated the issue.
A Rocha Ghana’s BRACE initiative reinforces these calls by equipping local actors with legal and advocacy tools to defend their environment and push for sustainable development.
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