The Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape (CCAL), under the Sustainable Minerals Governance Programme sponsored by the European Union through A Rocha Ghana and the BRACE Project, successfully organised a high-impact community engagement forum at Pameng Community in the Atiwa District of the Eastern Region.
The event brought together a remarkable gathering of community members, traditional authorities, opinion leaders, youth groups, women representatives, local farmers, and key government regulatory agencies responsible for environmental governance and natural resource management. The impressive turnout demonstrated the growing interest of community members in environmental protection, responsible mining, and sustainable development within the Atewa Landscape.
The engagement provided a unique platform for direct interaction between community members and representatives of the Water Resources Commission (WRC), Forestry Commission (FC), and Minerals Commission (MC). Participants were given the opportunity to voice their concerns, seek clarification on pressing environmental issues, and contribute to discussions on the future of their natural resources.
One of the major highlights of the event was the active participation of community opinion leaders, who raised critical concerns regarding the management of forest resources, the restoration of degraded farmlands, and the alarming diversion and pollution of rivers and streams within the community. Community members expressed concerns about the impact of mining activities on agricultural productivity, water quality, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of future generations.
Leading the Minerals Commission delegation, Ing. Regina Abbey, Principal Inspector of Mines (Environment) at the Minerals Commission, Koforidua, delivered an insightful and highly engaging presentation on mining operations and environmental compliance. Her extemporaneous delivery captivated participants and demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to transparency and public education.
She comprehensively addressed questions relating to:
Ghana’s mining laws and regulatory framework;
Mining permit acquisition processes;
Environmental reclamation and restoration requirements;
Compensation procedures for affected landowners;
The rights and responsibilities of community members;
The responsibilities of duty bearers and regulatory institutions; and
Community participation in environmental monitoring and reporting.
Her responses provided clarity on several misconceptions and empowered community members with the knowledge needed to effectively engage duty bearers and mining operators.
The Regional Training Officer of the Water Resources Commission also delivered an impactful presentation focusing on water resource protection, river conservation, and the dangers associated with illegal mining activities near water bodies. He patiently addressed questions from participants and emphasised the collective responsibility of citizens, government agencies, and traditional leaders in safeguarding water resources for present and future generations.
The open forum session proved to be one of the most valuable components of the programme. Community members openly shared their experiences, concerns, and recommendations, while government agencies responded directly to issues affecting the area. The discussions fostered mutual understanding, accountability, and trust between citizens and state institutions.
Beyond information sharing, the event strengthened the voices of local people and reinforced the principle that communities must be active participants in decisions affecting their environment and livelihoods. Participants left the meeting with a renewed sense of responsibility and a deeper understanding of their rights in environmental governance.
CCAL believes that sustainable development can only be achieved when communities are informed, empowered, and equipped to participate meaningfully in natural resource governance. Through engagements such as this, the organisation continues to build the capacity of local people to advocate for environmental justice, responsible mineral extraction, and the protection of critical ecosystems within the Atewa Landscape.
As part of its broader vision, CCAL remains committed to empowering communities to stand up for their rights, protect their environment, and champion policies that promote sustainable development. The organisation also continues to support national and local efforts aimed at securing stronger protection for the Atewa Forest Reserve, including advocacy for its elevation to National Park status, recognising its immense ecological, cultural, and water resource significance to Ghana.
CCAL expresses its profound appreciation to the European Union, A Rocha Ghana, the BRACE Project, all participating government agencies, traditional authorities, opinion leaders, media practitioners, and community members whose contributions made the engagement a success.
The organisation calls on the media and development partners to continue supporting community-led governance initiatives that amplify local voices, strengthen accountability, and advance sustainable minerals governance for the benefit of present and future generations.
Together, we can protect Atewa, preserve our water sources, restore degraded lands, and build resilient communities for a sustainable future.
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