Ghana government sued over bauxite mining at Atewa

The Government of Ghana has been dragged to court over plans to mine bauxite in the Atewa Range Forest, Dailymailgh.com can reveal.

A Rocha Ghana, together with other NGOs and individuals, filed the notice on January 13, 2020 against the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Gloria A. Akuffo, over government’s plans to exploit the Atewa Range Forest for bauxite.

The intended Reliefs of the notice include: 1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

It will be recalled that last year Oscar award-winning actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, added his voice to calls for the protection of the Atewa Forest as Ghana prepares to commence the first phase of the Sinohydro deal.

The deal will see Ghana’s bauxite reserves in the Atewa Forest mined and traded in a ‘barter’ deal for $2 billion from China, meant to be invested in various developmental projects across the country, particularly roads.

DiCaprio, who is a staunch environmentalist, believes that mining in the Forest would put the millions of people and hundreds of “wildlife species” who depend on it “at risk of extinction.”

“Ghana’s #Atewa Forest Reserve provides drinking water to 5 million+ people & harbors 100+ wildlife species at risk of extinction. We must prioritize the protection of these irreplaceable places for a healthy planet,” he said in a tweet on Tuesday.