Selected members of the formed Resettlement Negotiation Committee (RNC) for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project have been supported to travel to established mining communities in Kenyasi, Obuasi and Tarkwa in a learning and sharing exchange visit. Organized by Friends of the Nation (FoN) (with support from Oxfam and partners), the week-long learning and sharing exchange aimed to arm the RNC delegates with practical insights from communities that have already negotiated mining-induced relocations.
The goal was to strengthen the RNC’s ability to secure fair and adequate resettlement packages and to help ensure that any family to be displaced have their livelihoods and basic needs preserved at their new location. The Ewoyaa Lithium Project, Ghana’s first commercial lithium project – which is advancing towards extraction, pending parliamentary ratification, will require the resettlement of parts of the Ewoyaa and Krampakrom communities in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region.
By law, the company and the affected communities established two joint committees: one for crop and land compensation and one Resettlement Negotiation Committee for persons to be resettled However, the RNC comprises mostly local residents who are new to the complex process of mining resettlement negotiations. Many members lack prior experience with legal compensation frameworks or formal talks with major developers, making it crucial to build their capacity. FoN notes that, like many community negotiators in Ghana, these RNC members needed exposure to real-world examples to avoid accepting inadequate deals. During the exchange, the RNC delegates visited each mining area to meet chiefs, elders and community leaders who had gone through relocation themselves.
In Kenyasi (site of Newmont’s Ahafo mine), the group discussed how authorities had negotiated land-for-land offers and community development projects alongside cash compensation. They were also exposed to members of an existing Resettlement Negotiation team who shared experiences on capacities they have acquired and deployed in their attempt to negotiate for a more fairer and adequate compensation.
Members of the RNC meets resettled residents of Kenyasi No 1 on life after resettlement
Members-of-the-Kenyasi-No-1-share-their-lessons-during-and-after-resettlement
Members-of-Ewoyaa-RNC-listening-during-meeting-with-Kenyasi-RNC
Members-of-Ewoyaa-RNC-in-a-group-Photo-with-chiefs-from-the-Kenyasi-No-1-Traditional-Council
Member of Ewoyaa RNC taking notes during meeting with Kenyasi RNC
At Obuasi (AngloGold’s historic mine), traditional leaders shared lessons on preserving schools, clinics and social support in the resettlement plan, economic improvement initiatives, and not just buildings. The members also learnt of the implications of chiefs and other opinion leaders who sell mining employment opportunities meant for catchment communities to foreigners. “This is not good at all. It is a dangerous thing to do, and I am grateful to FoN for exposing me and my queen mother, and all members here present to the story of mine employment in Obuasi Sansu” – Nana Mbronu, Chief of Ewoyaa who was part of the visit stated.
Sansu-Methodist-built-by-Anglogold-Obuasi
In Tarkwa, the members visited the Cape Town resettled community done by Anglogold Ashanti Iduaprim Mine.The team had the opportunity to inspect the structures that were built for those who were resettled there. “These are beautiful structures, with modern services for a community. The rooms had living rooms, kitchen, toilet and baths, community center, and the rooms were fully furnished with electricity and water supplies. I will not be bad to have such structures for Ewoyaa and Krampakrom residents who are going to be resettled-Paa Grant, and elder from Krampakrom stated.
Tarkwa-Cape-Town-Resettlement.
Some buildings of the Tarkwa-Cape-Town-Resettlement
Tarkwa-Cape-Town-Resettlement provided kitchen in each of the houses
FoN hopes that this capacity-building exercise will translate into stronger, better-informed negotiations. By learning from peers, the Ewoyaa RNC is now better equipped to negotiate fair, adequate resettlement packages that meet legal standards and preserve the communities’ way of life. As the Ewoyaa project moves forward, the RNC’s strengthened skills will be critical. Ghana’s mining regulations require transparent committees and full-value compensation