Prosecute persons who threaten land defenders - A Rocha Ghana
A Rocha Ghana is calling for the prosecution of individuals who threaten and intimidate land defenders in mining-affected communities. The organization highlights a pattern of human rights abuses, including violence and environmental destruction, linked to illegal mining operations.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of environmental activism, human rights, and the failure of local security agencies to protect citizens from illegal mining interests.
THE Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Mr Daryl Bosu, has called for the immediate prosecution of persons who threaten, harass or intimidate residents and land defenders in mining-affected communities across the country.
He said the growing use of threats and violence to silence farmers and community members who resisted illegal and unregulated mining constituted a serious violation of human rights.
Mr Bosu made the call at a press conference in Accra yesterday on the theme: “Time to sound the alarm on escalating human rights abuses in Ghana’s mining communities.”
He said residents in several mining communities had reported threats, intimidation and attacks after challenging mining operators who entered their lands without consent.
“Farmers who visit the site face threats and intimidation, with miners reportedly firing warning shots to prevent them from confronting the oppression,” he said.
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