Generations of persecution met by a rising voice for justice: The story of Land Rights Defenders in Ghana.

For centuries, the Indigenous people of Benimasi-Boadi in Ghana have peacefully stewarded their ancestral lands. However, recent years have brought a surge in persecution and torture at the hands of the Kumasi Traditional Council. Facing a lack of government support and violations of both the Ghanaian Constitution and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), their very existence is under threat.

Rising from the ashes of adversity:

Nana Kwesi Osei Bonsu, custodian of Benimasi-Boadi lands, witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these land grabs. Determined to fight for his community’s rights, he fled his home with other indigenous youth refugees to escape persecution and assassination threats. With crucial support from the United States Government, Nana and his co-founder/spouse (a US citizen and Licensed Massage Therapist) established Land Rights Defenders Inc. in March 2023.

Fighting for justice on multiple fronts:

Land Rights Defenders has made significant strides in its short lifespan. Here are some of their key achievements:

• Invoking international laws:Utilizing the Rome Statute, UNCAT, and UNDRIP, they’re taking legal action against alleged perpetrators.
• UN Human Rights Council complaint:A complaint was filed, highlighting human rights violations like torture, arbitrary detention, and manipulation of the judicial system by the Kumasi Traditional Council.
• Protecting Indigenous Community Conserved Areas (ICCA):Spatial data and a case study were submitted to the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) to enforce Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for ICCAs. This information will be included in the World Database of Protected Areas, aiding in sustainable resource management.
• Fighting judicial corruption:They assisted the Benimasi-Boadi community in appealing a biased ruling through the Ashanti Region’s judicial system.

Hope rising from the ashes:

Thanks to Land Rights Defenders’ efforts, the Benimasi-Boadi community has regained hope and determination to protect their ancestral lands. They await the United Nations’ intervention to address the authoritarianism plaguing Ghana’s Ashanti Region.

Beyond Ghana: Global impact and philanthropy:

Nana’s experience advocating for justice extends beyond Ghana. He leverages his knowledge to make a positive impact on philanthropy, as recognized by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. (See Certificate:https://charitable.ohioago.gov/Charitable-University/Publications/Charitable-University-Certificates-Awarded)

Land Rights Defenders’ contribution to global justice is also evident in their advocacy at UN Human Rights forums and collaborations with organizations like Candid, USAID, Google, Microsoft, and PayPal to build a strong digital identity.(See submission to OHCHR: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/issues/localgvt/meetings/stm-enchancing-capacity/subm-expert-meeting-enhancing-int-land-rights-defenders.pdf)

Remember, the fight for justice continues. Share this story and support Land Rights Defenders in their crucial mission.