
Mr. Daryl Bosu
A Rocha Ghana, a civil Society Organisation that has been at the forefront of the struggle for protection of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, together with other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and individuals, have served notice of civil action against the Government of Ghana over its plans to exploit the forest for bauxite.
The notice was filed with the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Gloria A. Akuffo, on Monday January 13, 2020 in pursuant to Section 10 of the State Proceeding Act 1998, Act 555.
The notice which was filed, on behalf of the group, by its lawyer, Martin Kpebu, says the action intends to protect and safeguard the environment pursuant to the constitutional duty imposed on the citizens under article 41(k) of the Constitution of Ghana, 1992.
The CSOs involved in the action include EcoCare Ghana, Ghana Youth Environment Movement, Save the Frogs Ghana among others.
Reasons for the action
In a statement signed Daryl Bosu, Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, the group stated that it would ensure that governments, both now and in the future, respect the right of Ghanaians to a safe and healthy environment.
They stated that whiles they support government’s quest to develop Ghana and, as part of such efforts, to raise funds through various endeavours including exploiting the country’s resources, they believe Ghana does not need to exploit the Atewa Forest bauxite reserves since there are far richer bauxite reserves according to information available to government and to the entire Ghanaian populace.
“Also, considering the critical importance of the Atewa Forest Range to Ghana’s water supply system, biodiversity and natural climate change adaptation, it would be best not to exploit the Atewa Range Forest,” the statement said.
The group indicated that it embarked on series of campaigns to steer government away from its decision. It also sent petitions to both the Presidency and Parliament adding that “but the Government of Ghana consistently demonstrates no interest at all in these actions”.
Reliefs
The group is thus seeking for four reliefs from the Attorney general. The reliefs include declaration that the right to life and dignity as enshrined in the Constitution of Ghana, 1992 which includes (a) the right to a clean and healthy environment and (b) the right to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations and a declaration that mining bauxite in the Atewa Forest violates the right to life and dignity enshrined under articles 13 and 15 of the Constitution.
Other reliefs are; an order, compelling the Government of Ghana and its agents to take the necessary steps to protect Atewa Forest Range in accordance with constitutional obligations as contained under article 36(9) of the constitution and an order, restraining the Government of Ghana, its assigns and agents, servants, workmen, allottees and guarantees whatsoever and howsoever described from undertaking mining and its related activities in the Atewa Forest Range.
Below is the notice filed by the lawyer, Martin Kpebu.
NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT
Source: eveningmailgh.com