Compensations, resettlement packages must not make mining communities victims of circumstances- LecturerJudiciary Unveils 10-Year Blueprint For Social Transformation

Dr. Mrs Theresah Baah-Ennumh, a Senior Lecturer, Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, says compensations and resettlement packages offered to communities affected by mining should not make them 'victims'. 'Beneficiaries of resettlements should not be victims. People should be compensated with packages that are better than what they had, or they should be given a similar package to what they had previously. 'Mining firms should compensate or resettle communities, so they become better.' Dr Mrs Baah- Ennumh was speaking at the National Dialogue on resettlement and compensation in mining communities in Accra. The programme held by Centre for Social Impact Studies CeSIS in collaboration with Third World Network, Africa (TWN-Africa) brought together experts, opinion leaders, policy makers and community leaders. The occasion was used to outdoor research conducted by CeSIS in three communities in the Ashanti Region, which are facingchallenges in relation to settlement and compensation. The communities are: Dokyiwa, Anwiam and New Bediem. Dr Mrs Baah-Ennumh, noted that challenges facing Anwiam such as destruction of properties during blasting by Anglo Gold Ashanti and inability for school children to attend school when it rained, called for investigations by State agencies. Among other challenges faced by the people of Anwiam were restrictions on free movement, blockade of easy access routes to township, and frequent invasion of community by security agencies on the request of AngloGold Ashanti. In the case of Dokyiwa and New Bediem, the inhabitants are having cracks in their buildings, lack of potable water, and poor compensation packages. She noted that some communities were deprived of their settlements as a result of improper negotiations by some experts and urged the communities to hold those experts responsible. The Senior Lecturer urged communities to also take a critical look at the long-term effects of compensation offered to them by mining companies. On alterna tive livelihood, she said jobs offered to the youth should be sustainable and appealing. Mr Robert Tanti Ali, Executive Director, CeSis, said despite the contribution of the mining to Ghana's economy, it came with some challenges that could not be overlooked. Mr Benjamin Aryee, an Advisor on Mining to the Minister of Lands Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, said it was important for communities to be involved in negotiations and said it was unethical for compensations and resettlements to make community dwellers victims of circumstances. Mr Eric Anaane Ndebugri, Programmes Officer, CeSIS, who presented the research report, noted that communities were underserved because they lacked or had limited bargaining power when dealing with transnational corporations. The research was carried out in 2022. Mr Ndebugri said to address some of the issues relating to compensation and resettlements, communities should be educated on the Minerals and Minig Act, 2006 Act 703 and the 2012, LI 2175. According to hi m, the report showed that mining companies, government bodies and traditional authorities had more influence in such negotiations while communities' interests were less. He urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to continue to build the capacities of communities on relevant laws on resettlement and compensation. Mr Stephen Agbo, Deputy Manager and a Social Scientists at the Minerals Commission, said issues raised by the communities would be investigated and addressed by the Commission. Source: Ghana News Agency The Kenyan Judiciary has launched a comprehensive Social Transformation Access to Justice (STAJ) Blueprint for the years 2023-2033. The initiative is geared towards fostering internal capacity building and instituting reforms within the judiciary, with the aim of enhancing accountability, and service delivery and bolstering public confidence in the judicial system. Speaking during the launch, Chief Justice Martha Koome emphasized the pivotal role of the plan in instilling a culture of accountability while adhering to constitutional principles and values. She highlighted key aspects such as accessibility, transparency, accountability, inclusivity, shared leadership, cooperative dialogue, and social justice as the cornerstones of the STAJ Blueprint. CJ Koome underscored the judiciary's commitment to ensuring that justice becomes a daily reality for every Kenyan, regardless of socio-economic status, geographical location, or personal vulnerabilities. Recognizing the existing barriers to accessing justice, she stressed the need to address geographical, economic, and structural challenges to achieve the Blueprint's goals. The STAJ Blueprint is poised to transform the judiciary into a caring and service-oriented institution, signaling a departure from a mere focus on dispensing justice. According to CJ Koome, the judiciary's renewed focus will include uplifting and empowering the people of Kenya, thereby fostering peace and harmony in communities. 'A significant aspect of the STAJ initiative is its vision of the judiciary as a connector of justice champions. The Blueprint aims to leverage the justice capabilities of Kenyans by promoting a multi-door approach to justice. This approach empowers individuals to resolve disputes through various means, including mediation, traditional (alternative) justice systems, conciliation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution avenues,' explained Koome. Prime Cabinet Secretary H.E Musalia Mudavadi commended the strides made by the judiciary over the years. He emphasized the need for the judiciary to affirm its readiness and commitment to scaling up services for all Kenyans. Mudavadi stressed that justice should not be a privilege but a fundamental right for all, guided by national values and principles. 'Kenyans expect high standards of jurisdiction as conferred by the Constitution and as prescribed by various statutes. Accessibility, efficiency, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, shared leadership, cooperative dialogue, and social justice are among key fundamentals that should deepen the quest for justice, equality, and inclusivity, as well as enhance shared prosperity,' noted Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in his closing remarks. The STAJ Blueprint stands as a symbol of the shared vision for a judicial system that is accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the Kenyan people. The launch marks a significant step towards a more just and inclusive society, reflecting the judiciary's commitment to social transformation through access to justi ce. Source: Kenya News Agency