Communities in mineral resource areas have been urged to actively participate in discussions and negotiations on mining agreements, compensation and environmental protection to enable them to hold mining organisations accountable for non-compliance.
Mr Kwaku Afari, a legal representative, made the call at a two-day training programme organised by the Centre for Public Interest Law (CEPIL) for communities in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region.
He said community members must take active interest in mining agreements and understand they were protected.
He emphasised that community participation in discussions on compensation and environmental protection was particularly important in ensuring that mining companies fulfilled their obligations to affected communities.
The call comes amid concerns raised by some community members about alleged unfulfilled promises by Atlantic Lithium, an exploration company despite the destruction and damage to their property, homes, and farms as a result of mining-related activities.
The residents expressed concern that their livelihoods and property had been affected, while commitments they expected from the company remained unfulfilled.
The legal representative urged the communities not to remain passive in matters concerning mining operations but to seek information, understand their rights, and actively engage relevant institutions, and mining companies.
He said informed communities would be better positioned to identify breaches of agreement, demand appropriate compensation, and insist on measures to protect their environment.
The legal representative noted that communities equipped with the relevant knowledge of mining agreements and environmental regulations would be better positioned to identify breaches, and demand accountability from organisations operating in their areas.
He urged residents not to leave mining-related negotiations and decisions solely to traditional authorities, government agencies or mining companies, but collectively seek information, and actively contribute to processes that affected their livelihoods, and environment.
He said such engagement would promote transparency, and ensure that mining operations were conducted responsibly, with due consideration for the welfare of host communities.
The two-day training was organised by CEPIL to equip communities in the municipality with knowledge, and skills to engage in mineral resource governance, and advocate for their rights.
GNA
