Wacam, a not-for-profit organisation, has urged mining communities to continue empowering themselves with knowledge of mining laws and protocols.
According to the group, by being grounded in the Minerals and Mining Law and other provisions, mining communities will be able to resist mining companies that destroy their livelihoods and rights. Wacam’s Associate Executive Director, Mrs. Hannah Owusu-Koranteng, made the call during a week-long sensitisation programme in the NGO’s operational zones and communities in Eastern, Central, and Western Regions.
The outreach programme, held from June 10-14, 2024, aimed to enhance community members’ understanding of the minerals and mining regulations, Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principle among others, aligning with Wacam’s advocacy efforts.
The exercise was carried out in communities including Saamang, Nkwateng, Adausena-Eastern; Breman-Brofoyedu-Central, Ayensukrom, Tarkwa, and Bonyere-Western, and received high patronage.
At Nkwateng, over 80 community members participated, with scores of them being first-time attendees, while Saamang had 65 community members in attendance.
Earlier at Nkwateng, the Wacam team led by the Associate Executive Director, Mrs. Owusu-Koranteng, paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Nkwateng, Nana Amanie Ankrah II, expressing gratitude for his support throughout her outfit’s advocacy work in the town.
For his part, Nana Ankrah II praised Wacam for its long years of human rights and environmental mining advocacy work in mining communities across the country.
He encouraged Wacam not to relent but continue with its “good works” to empower more mining communities. During the community engagement, Mrs. Owusu-Koranteng admonished the communities not to resort to violence in dealing with mining companies, but instead, use the law to their advantage, emphasising the importance of peaceful and legal means to address grievances and protect their rights.
“After gaining education, it is important that you use it to champion your course,” she told the participants.
She assured them that Wacam will continue to build their capacities to enable them protect their rights and properties.
The Executive Director of Wacam, Mr. Daniel Owusu-Koranteng, who later joined the team at Breman-Borofoyedu in the Central Region, encouraged the community members to unite and stand against rights violations by mining companies.
He charged them to be wary of the divide-and-rule tactics of the mining companies.
The Wacam team also included the Communications Officer, Ato Keelson and Assistant Programmes Officer, Nana Akuoko.