Accra, Oct. 7, GNA - WACAM, an environmental and human rights mining advocacy nongovernmental organisation, has won the "Outstanding Grant Partner Award" of the Rights and Voice Initiative (RAVI) funded by The United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). WACAM received the award for efficiently implementing the RAVI Project, which involved the strengthening of the capacity of communities affected by mining using rights-based approach at the 2009 RAVI Annual Learn and Share Festival.

Ms Mary Tobin, Resource Facilitator of RAVI, described WACAM and other award winners as exceptional partners, who were selected in a process that was vigorous and transparent. The Rights and Voice Initiative is targeted at strengthening the voices of people living in poverty and, who are marginalised, to engage with the Government on their fundamental human rights.

RAVI's purpose is to enhance citizens' engagement in Ghana aiming at the respect, protection and fulfilment of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.

WACAM became a partner of RAVI in 2005 and the RAVI project supported the NGO to protect the rights of poor mining communities against corporate might that tended to violate the rights of marginalised people.

Other award winners were: Christian Council of Ghana; Public Agenda, newspaper; Ghana Community Radio Network (GCRN); Center for Public Interest Law (CEPIL); Friends of the Nation (FON); Legal Resource Centre; Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF); Bawku East Development Association (BEWDA); General Agricultural Workers' Union (GAWU); Ghana Development Communities Association (GDCA); Pamoja Ghana, LAWA Ghana and Drama Network.

DFID is the agency of UK Government that manages Britain's aid to poor countries and works to get rid of poverty. Commenting on the award, Mr Daniel Owusu-Koranteng, Executive Director of WACAM, expressed his appreciation to RAVI for the recognition and the Media; civil society organisations and individuals for their support.