A land rights dispute in Ghana has ignited a global conversation about indigenous rights and the rule of law. The Kumasi Traditional Council’s denial of Konadu Afia-Ofi’s ancestral land claim, despite her lineage to King Osei Tutu I (founder of the Ashanti Empire) and Queen Huahi Tutuwaa (cherished spouse of King Osei Tutu I), exposes systemic issues that go beyond a single family’s struggle
Beyond a Single Case: Protecting Ancestral Lands and Cultural Heritage
The legal claim of the indigenous people of Benimasi-Boadi appears valid under Ghana’s Land Act 1036. However, this dispute goes beyond a single case; it represents a broader issue – the ongoing struggle for indigenous land rights in Ghana. The Council’s actions threaten countless families whose history, identity, and cultural heritage are intertwined with their ancestral lands. Consequently, denying them legal protection is not just a legal transgression, but also a form of cultural erasure.
Land Rights Defenders Inc.: Standing with the Marginalized
Land Rights Defenders Inc. (LRDI), a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by Nana Kwesi Osei Bonsu, stands with the people of Benimasi-Boadi and all who face similar injustices. Nana, having sought refuge in the United States under the United Nations Convention against Torture, established LRDI to advocate for Upholding the Ghana’s Land Act 2020 (Act 1036) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
References from the US Department of State
The 2022 US Department of State Human Rights Report on Ghana raises concerns about numerous human rights violations, including unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detention, restrictions on free expression, violence against journalists, government corruption, and gender-based violence. These concerns directly parallel the challenges faced by the Benimasi-Boadi community, as evidenced by the Kumasi Traditional Council’s order to shut down Oyerepa FM for broadcasting a program the council deemed disrespectful. This underscores the broader context of their land dispute and highlights systemic human rights issues within Ghana.
”No one is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man’s permission when we ask him to obey it”
— Theodore Roosevelt
Art Meet Activism: Using Creativity to Spark Change
Our upcoming Art Meet Activism Pre-launch harnesses the power of art to achieve several goals. Firstly, it aims to raise awareness by showcasing the beauty and cultural richness of lands under threat through acrylic canvas paints, spoken word, and murals. Secondly, it seeks to amplify voices by giving voice to the struggles and resilience of indigenous communities. Ultimately, the event strives to spark conversations about land rights and social justice, inspiring collective action and garnering support for the Benimasi-Boadi community..
The impact of Rights Defenders Inc. (LRDI) transcends Ghana. Founder Nana Kwesi Osei Bonsu’s advocacy extends beyond legal defense, as recognized by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, encompassing global philanthropy. Their unwavering commitment to global justice is evident in their active participation at UN Human Rights forums and successful collaborations with organizations like Candid, USAID, Google, Microsoft, and PayPal. This is not merely a fight for land; it’s a fight for a more just and equitable world, where cultural heritage is preserved. LRDI stands as a beacon of hope, urging the international community to join them in demanding accountability, protecting indigenous rights, and ensuring the rule of law prevails, not just in Ghana, but throughout the world.
