Challenging the powerful in Ghana

“I have always been interested in environmental issues. I have a son and I want him to have a good future – it is as simple as that. When I looked into the situation of surface gold mining in Ghana, I came to understand how closely environmental issues are related to human rights.
I first noticed the loss of land, the pollution of water sources, waste rock dumps mounting up, and the disastrous impact of the use of highly toxic cyanide. When I came to know the affected communities better, I saw an unbearable combination of many factors: farmlands being turned into mine pits, an increase in poverty, involuntary resettlement, a persistent pattern of intimidation, and the use of violence as a means for the military and police to repress opposition to mining. There are no easily available or effective ways to seek remedies. Yet the community members still felt a need for their voices to be heard and I help them achieve that. I cannot solve this situation for them, but I can make sure that they get the media’s attention. We make public who is responsible and accountable for their situation. We are still struggling, but I will never give up.”