All posts by : ghanacoms

PART 2: Silencing Dissent and Calls for Reforms

Author: Daryl Bosu. Environmental Advocate

The President’s Contradictory Role in Environmental Stewardship

In his inaugural address into Office as President of the 4^th Republic of Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo pledged to protect Ghana’s environment, declaring that “we do not own the land, but hold it in trust for generations yet unborn.” This resonated with Ghanaians, who believed he would lead a responsible approach to resource management. However, the lack of progress on commitments from the 2021 National Consultative Dialogue suggests otherwise.

Despite promises to protect Ghana’s natural heritage, the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led administration has allowed the unregulated mining sector to thrive, effectively making the government the “chief activist” for the very destruction he vowed to prevent. The reality is that there has been little intention to act on these promises, as evidenced by political justifications to delay the fight against galamsey until after the 2024 elections. This inaction points to a troubling alignment between the government’s priorities and short-term political interests, with severe consequences for Ghana’s future.

Silencing Dissent and Rising Social Unrest

In 2017, President Nana Akufo-Addo encouraged Ghanaians to be “citizens, not spectators,” urging them to hold the government accountable. Yet, those who have voiced opposition to galamsey have been met with hostility and suppression. Public demonstrations against illegal mining are often stifled, with activists facing detainment and harassment, discouraging future dissent. The government’s actions contrast sharply with the President’s assurances that Ghana would be governed by “freedom and justice.”

The heavy-handed police response to citizen-led demonstrations by groups like Democracy Hub, along with the injustices during the arrest and detention of demonstrators, journalists as well as community environmental right defenders, serves as a stark testament to the government’s complicity. Communities have even seen police-assisted impositions of “community mining,” despite their vocal opposition. These acts of suppression reveal a government willing to sideline public welfare for profit, at the expense of citizens’ rights and freedoms.

Meanwhile, unchecked galamsey has created an atmosphere of social insecurity, stoking public anxiety over health risks as illegal mining continues to contaminate food and water systems. Mining hotspots have seen rising incidence of crime and the proliferation of arms, threatening the security of affected communities. The President’s stated vision of a peaceful and prosperous Ghana rings hollow for those living amidst the dangers posed by illegal mining.

A Failure to Translate Promises into Action

In his inaugural speech, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also praised the resolve of Ghana’s founding fathers, who sought to build a nation anchored in principles of justice and respect for all citizens. He highlighted J.B Danquah’s vision of government as a force for “the enrichment of life, property, and liberty.” Yet, his administration has failed to uphold these ideals, allowing environmental exploitation to proceed unchecked. The National Consultative Dialogue was a defining moment, presenting a roadmap for responsible governance of natural resources, but the lack of follow-through on its resolutions has reduced these promises to mere words. We now have on our hands, the most devastating environmental crisis

Holding Civil and State Officials Accountable for Negligence and Incompetence

The responsibility of tackling the galamsey crisis should not fall solely on the shoulders of the Executive, despite its significant power to appoint heads of key institutions. It is time to extend this accountability to the civil servants and appointed officials serving in crucial agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Water Resources Commission, Minerals Commission, Local Government Authority, and the Decentralized Police Command. Too often, these individuals have neglected their duty of care and responsibility to the public, instead choosing to collude with illegal actors, enabling the abuse of community rights and exposing citizens to further harm. This negligence has contributed to the unchecked rise of unprecedented impunity in the mining sector, ever in the history of Ghana.

It is high time that each appointed state official be held fully accountable for administrative negligence and incompetence, particularly when their inaction directly perpetuates illegal activities in their areas of oversight. These officials must bear the consequences of failing to fulfill their responsibilities. However, this should not absolve the Executive from its direct role when appointed officers fail to carry out their mandates effectively. We cannot continue in a society where responsibility is shifted solely to the Executive, while state officers, empowered with the capacity to exercise administrative discretion, remain free from accountability. The failure to hold appointed District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Police Officers accountable for the persistence of galamsey within their jurisdictions represents a critical oversight that must be rectified. Moving forward, it is imperative that accountability for administrative negligence in the fight against illegal mining be made a fundamental principle of governance. Incompetent or negligent officials must face strict consequences, including mandatory resignation, to ensure that those entrusted with public office fulfil their duties with the necessary competence and integrity. This policy should be enforced consistently to establish a culture of accountability and deter further complacency in the fight against galamsey.

Sustain Media and Civil Society Calls for Accountability

Despite the government’s failure to honor its environmental promises, the media and civil society must continue to advocate for accountability. Journalists and environmental advocates highlight the contradictions between the President’s statements and his administration’s actions, exposing the dire consequences of illegal mining. The media serves as a crucial counterpoint to government neglect, providing a platform for citizens demanding responsible management of Ghana’s resources.

Call for Just and Equitable Mineral Governance Reforms

The 2021 National Consultative Dialogue was a critical moment for Ghana’s environmental policy, representing a shared commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices. However, the government’s failure to honor these promises undermines its credibility and leaves citizens disappointed. As demands from Ghanaians in 2024 reveal, citizens are still waiting for the government to uphold its promises, reflecting widespread frustration with an administration seemingly complicit in environmental degradation.

The disparity between the 2021 commitments and the government’s current inaction speaks to a systemic disregard for the voices and well-being of Ghanaians. The government must urgently address the demands for a state of emergency on galamsey, halt mining in protected areas, enforce laws rigorously, and ensure that those who violate environmental laws face justice.

The ongoing disregard for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) within Ghana’s mining sector is an affront and a violation of community rights and one that threatens the very foundation of just and equitable mineral governance. Equally troubling is the state’s abuse of eminent domain, where the government compulsorily acquires community lands without adequate consultation or compensation, undermining local autonomy and violating the rights of Ghanaians who depend on their lands for their livelihoods and cultural heritage. These actions reflect a mining regime that prioritizes profit over people, favoring industry interests over the voices and well-being of affected communities.

To ensure justice, Ghana’s mineral governance must embody true public-centered reforms. Upholding Free Prior and Informed Consent, respecting community lands, and committing to sustainable practices are non-negotiable, as they are essential pillars for a fair and responsible mining policy.

Ghanaians deserve leaders who will honor these commitments and protect the country’s ecological and social prosperity into the future. The call for genuine reform is urgent and imperative to Ghana’ sustainable future. Anything less would betray the trust of the people and compromise the legacy we hold in trust for generations yet unborn.

In an inspiring initiative aimed at fostering sustainable practices in Northern Ghana, A Rocha Ghana recently partnered with the UK-based Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society to host a groundbreaking two-day workshop on equitable fire management.

The workshop which took place this month at Damongo in the Savannah Region, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, showcasing a collective commitment to addressing the complexities of fire management in the region.

Participants were drawn from government institutions, NGOs, academia, the private sector, traditional authorities, and local livelihood groups, all of whom share a vested interest in the intricate relationship between fire and landscape in Northern Ghana.

With a focus on participatory approaches, discussions revolved around the various types of landscape fires, their ecological roles, and the socio-economic factors influencing fire management practices.

Fire management

Fire management is more than just an environmental concern; it is vital for the preservation of unique ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities that depend on these landscapes. The rich biodiversity of Northern Ghana’s savannas and forests has evolved alongside naturally occurring fires, yet the increasing impact of human activity and climate change has disrupted these patterns. This workshop aimed to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific understanding of fire, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management strategies.

In a keynote address, Rahina Sidiki Alare, a PhD student at King’s College London whose research delves into fire governance within the Savannah landscapes highlighted a pressing issue—the disconnect between national fire policies and local burning practices.  According to her, “the way we manage fires in Northern Ghana has marginalized certain livelihoods, which could lead to more destructive fires.” “The workshop’s goal is to bridge this gap, ensuring fire management is effective and adaptable while being inclusive,” she added.

A Rocha Ghana’s Northern Sector Project Manager, Mr. Godwin Evenyo Dzekoto echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of integrating traditional fire knowledge with scientific methods. “The Savannah region needs fire for ecological balance,” he remarked, underlining the necessity for a collaborative approach that respects and utilizes indigenous practices alongside contemporary science.

Hands-on

A highlight of the workshop was the use of ‘rich pictures’—participatory drawings that allowed participants to express their perceptions of fire in their landscapes. This creative exercise not only facilitated dialogue but also illuminated the need to include marginalized voices, such as herders and hunters, in fire management strategies.

The artistic contributions from these sessions will soon take the form of a mural billboard, created by international artist Daniel Kweku Anetang, which will be mounted in the Savannah Region. This mural will serve as a lasting reminder of the collective effort to harmonize fire management practices.

Network for Sustainable Practices

Thanks to funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Impact Accelerator Award and the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society, the workshop concluded by establishing an inclusive network of fire management practitioners.

This network aims to spearhead future projects that promote sustainable fire practices, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the communities that rely on it.

As Northern Ghana navigates the complexities of fire management, efforts like this workshop stand as a beacon of hope—demonstrating that with collaboration and inclusivity, sustainable practices can thrive, ensuring a richer, more balanced ecosystem for generations to come.