The Technical Director of Wacam, Lawyer Kwaku Afari, has attributed state compulsory land acquisitions for mining and oil/gas projects to growing community empowerment.
He credited civil society advocacy for equipping communities to resist companies that harm people and ecosystems.
Mr. Afari was speaking at a Wacam-organised forum in Bonyere, Western Region, supported by Gower Street, on the theme: “Using Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) to Promote Participation in Decision-Making in the Extractive Sector.”
Held on June 11, 2025, the event gathered 42 participants—farmers, ex-Assembly members, and traditional leaders—to strengthen FPIC awareness.
The goal was to unify community voices on extractive sector impacts and push for inclusive policymaking to protect rights and environments.
A key example is the government’s acquisition of 20,000 acres for Bonyere’s Petroleum Hub, highlighting unresolved tensions over land grabs. The prior administration’s use of eminent domain, bypassing FPIC, continues to stir unrest, underscoring the need for policy reform.
Wacam’s Associate Executive Director, Mrs. Hannah Owusu-Koranteng, explained that FPIC allows communities to accept or reject projects upfront.
She emphasised that FPIC was an ongoing process, not a one-time formality, but lamented how companies exploit communities’ lack of FPIC knowledge to violate their rights.
“Wacam doesn’t dictate ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” she clarified. “We educate communities to make informed choices.”
Wacam’s Communications Officer, Dennis Ato Keelson, attended the forum.
Before Bonyere, Wacam held a similar event on June 10, 2025, in Breman-Brofoyedur (Upper Denkyira West District), where Precious Mining Gold Ltd’s operations have disrupted livelihoods since 2019. In August 2024, three farmers—Emmanuel Boampong (Chief Farmer, 10 cocoa trees lost), Akwasi Mensa (50 trees), and Nana Akua (4 trees)—reported damages from Perseus Mining’s exploration.
Participants shared distressing experiences. Cocoa farmer Janet Kumi said: “Perseus destroyed our farm, falsely claiming a relative—who had no authority—sold the land.” Paul Kwao recounted Minerals Commission officers pressuring him to cede land or face forced seizure. Maame Boakye criticized the DCE and Perseus for harassing her to sell.
Addressing these struggles, Lawyer Afari stressed FPIC’s power to protect communities: “It ensures their right to consent or reject projects affecting their lands.” He urged documenting violations: “Report to police first—evidence strengthens your case.”
Story By: Dennis Ato Keelson
