About us

About Land Rights Defenders Inc.: Champions of Land Justice Worldwid

Our Mission: Empowering Communities, Defending Land Rights

At Land Rights Defenders Inc. (LRDI), we are unwavering in our mission to secure land rights for all. We firmly believe that land is not merely a commodity, but a source of life, identity, cultural heritage, and economic security. We work tirelessly to empower communities facing land grabs, displacement, and injustice, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Our Vision: A World Where Land is a Source of Dignity and Justice

Our vision is a world where everyone has secure access to land and resources, regardless of their background or social status. We envision a future where:

Indigenous peoples have secure rights to their ancestral lands and territories, free from encroachment, displacement, and cultural erasure. This means recognizing and respecting Indigenous knowledge, governance systems, and cultural practices related to land.
Small-scale farmers can cultivate their land sustainably, ensuring food security and economic independence for their families and communities. This involves advocating for policies that support smallholder agriculture, provide access to markets, and protect farmers from exploitation.
Women have equal rights to own, inherit, and manage land, breaking down discriminatory barriers and empowering them to participate fully in economic and social life. We strive to promote gender equality in land ownership and decision-making, recognizing the vital role women play in agriculture and sustainable development.
Environmental defenders are protected from violence and intimidation, safeguarding our planet's precious ecosystems and biodiversity. We stand in solidarity with those who risk their lives to protect the environment and advocate for policies that recognize their rights and contributions.

Our Story: From Grassroots Beginnings in Ghana to Global Impact

Land Rights Defenders Inc. emerged from the heart of the struggle, founded in Ghana in 2020 amidst a growing crisis of land dispossession and human rights abuses. Our roots are deeply intertwined with the communities we serve, and our commitment to justice was forged in the fires of real-world struggles.

In our early days, we focused on documenting cases of land grabbing, providing legal support to affected communities,and organizing grassroots advocacy campaigns. We worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the devastating impact of land dispossession on vulnerable populations, particularly women, Indigenous peoples, and smallholder farmers.

A turning point in our journey came with our landmark victory in the case against the Ghana Police Service and Attorney General’s Department (Suit No. HR/0026/2022). This precedent-setting case exposed the unlawful arrest and abuse of Nana Osei Bonsu, a prominent land rights defender, and secured compensation for the victims. We are currently pursuing an appeal against the High Court’s ruling, determined to hold those responsible fully accountable and ensure justice for all those affected.

In April 2023, we expanded our reach by incorporating internationally in the United States. This strategic move was prompted by the need to protect our founder, Nana Osei Bonsu, from persecution after his courageous stand against powerful interests in Ghana. The international expansion allowed us to amplify our impact on a global scale, reaching new audiences and forging partnerships with like-minded organizations around the world.

Today, Land Rights Defenders Inc. is becoming a leading force in the global movement for land justice. We have established a robust network of partners in over 5 countries, working together to empower communities, influence policy, and secure legal victories. Our work has been featured in major media outlets, including Fox News partners and we continue to gain recognition for by the Ohio Attorney General Charitable Law Section after our board members successfully completing Charitable University Program. our innovative and impactful approach to land rights advocacy.

Our Approach: Multi-Faceted Strategies for Lasting Change

We believe in a holistic approach to land rights advocacy, combining:

Community Empowerment: We provide training, legal assistance, and advocacy support to communities facing land grabs and displacement, empowering them to become their own best advocates.
Legal Action: We pursue strategic litigation to challenge unjust laws and practices, seeking redress for affected communities and setting legal precedents that protect land rights.
Advocacy and Awareness-Raising: We engage in public campaigns, media outreach, and education initiatives to raise awareness about land rights issues and mobilize public support for policy change.
Research and Documentation: We conduct rigorous research to document land rights violations, identify the root causes of land insecurity, and inform evidence-based advocacy strategies.

Our Impact: Real Change, Real Lives

Our work has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and communities around the world:

Ghana: We have secured legal victories for communities facing land grabs, helped women access land ownership,and raised awareness about the devastating impact of land insecurity on livelihoods and cultural heritage.
Sierra Leone: We have supported local community in Bo County in their struggle to protect their ancestral lands from encroachment by large-scale agricultural projects.
Afghanistan: We have worked with communities displaced by large-scale development projects to advocate for fair compensation and resettlement.

These are just a few examples of our ongoing work. We are constantly adapting our strategies and expanding our reach to meet the evolving challenges of land injustice.

Our Values: Guiding Principles in Our Fight for Land Justice

Our work is guided by a set of core values that shape our approach and inform our actions:

Human Rights: We uphold the universal right to land as a fundamental human right, enshrined in international law and essential for human dignity, well-being, and sustainable development.
Equity and Justice: We strive to create a world where land and resources are distributed fairly and equitably,ensuring that marginalized communities have access to the land they need to thrive.
Community-Centered: We believe that the most effective solutions to land rights issues are those that are designed and implemented in partnership with affected communities. We listen to their voices, respect their knowledge and traditions, and work alongside them to achieve their goals.
Collaboration: We recognize that no single organization can solve the complex challenges of land injustice alone. We actively seek partnerships with other organizations like USAID, Google, Microsoft, governments, and individuals who share our commitment to land rights, building a powerful movement for change.
Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to operating with the highest standards of transparency and accountability, ensuring that our actions are guided by ethical principles and that we are accountable to the communities we serve.

Our Current Campaigns

Justice for Benimasi-Boadi: This ongoing campaign focuses on securing justice for the Benimasi-Boadi community in Ghana, who are fighting for their ancestral lands against illegal seizure and human rights abuses. We are providing legal support, raising awareness, and advocating for policy changes to protect their rights.
It's Her Time to Shine: This global campaign empowers women's land rights, recognizing their crucial role in food production, environmental stewardship, and community development. We offer training, legal assistance, and advocacy support to help women overcome systemic barriers and secure their land rights.
Art Meets Activism: This innovative campaign harnesses the power of art to raise awareness about land rights issues and inspire action. We partner with artists, musicians, and performers from around the world to create compelling works that reach diverse audiences and mobilize support for our cause.

Get Involved: Join the Land Rights Movement

We invite you to become part of the global movement for land justice. Your support is essential to our work. Here’s how you can get involved:

Sign Our Petitions: Add your name to our petitions calling for justice for communities facing land grabs and displacement.
Share Your Story: If you or someone you know has been affected by land injustice, share your story with us to help raise awareness.
Donate: Your financial contributions enable us to provide essential legal support, advocacy, and community empowerment programs.
Volunteer: Offer your time, skills, and expertise to support our work in various areas, such as research, advocacy,communications, and community outreach.
Spread the Word: Share our message on social media, talk to your friends and family, and help us build a global network of land rights defenders.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Land Rights Defenders Inc. is more than just an organization; it’s a movement for change. We are a diverse community of activists, lawyers, researchers, artists, and everyday people who are passionate about land justice. Together, we can build a world where land is a source of dignity, security, and prosperity for all.

Join us in the fight for land rights. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of millions of people around the world.