A group calling itself the Resource Justice Network has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and inclusive governance in Ghana’s extractive sector, with the aim of ensuring that local communities benefit from the natural wealth of their lands.

At a recent engagement with communities in the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly of the Central Region, the Network’s Coordinator, Bernard Anaba, stressed the need for active community participation in decision-making.

“We are engaging and empowering communities to be part of the decision-making process. We want to strengthen community voices so their concerns are not only heard but also factored into key decisions, particularly the Municipal Assembly’s Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP),” Anaba said.

He added that the event also created a platform for direct interaction between residents and the Assembly.

The dialogues, held separately at the Saltpond and Mankessim Zonal Councils, were organised by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) in partnership with Friends of the Nation (FoN) and the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly, with support from the Resource Justice Network.

The meetings sought to incorporate community voices into the MTDP and brought together traditional leaders, Assembly members, the Municipal Planning Unit, as well as women and youth groups from communities including Ewoyaa, Abonko, Ansaadze, Krofu, and Krampakrom.

Deliberations also examined the potential impact of lithium mining in the area. Participants were briefed on the Assembly’s roles, the opportunities and challenges of mining, and were encouraged to assess their communities’ vulnerabilities.

Municipal Planning Officer, Mary Nana Adjoa Mensah, urged participants to take the process seriously, stressing its potential to shape their future and that of their children. She specifically encouraged women to voice their concerns so they could be properly captured in the MTDP.

FoN’s Communications Officer, Obrengpong Yaw Ampofo, underscored the importance of partnerships, explaining that many Assemblies lack the resources to conduct extensive community engagements.

“Mining comes with positives and negatives. By holding specialised dialogues, we can ensure that issues facing communities are factored into the plan, and appropriate measures developed for the next four years,” he said.

For participants, the exercise was valuable.

James Kwadwo Yampah of Krofu remarked: “It helped us understand that the Assembly does not operate in isolation. With community involvement, the Assembly can better represent us and advocate on our behalf.”