EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES, DEFENDING LAND: MERTON & EVERETT LLP’S ROLE IN THE BRACE PROJECT

Merton & Everett LLP facilitated a three-day workshop in Kyebi, Eastern Region, Ghana from 8 to 10 August 2024. This training, part of a joint initiative between Arocha Ghana, WACAM and Nature and Development Foundation and funded by the UKaid and European Union brought together Chiefs, local community leaders, and community members.

At Merton & Everett LLP, our commitment to environmental justice and community empowerment remains at the core of our public interest work. In collaboration with A Rocha Ghana, WACAM, and the Nature and Development Foundation—with support from UKaid and the European Union—we were proud to participate in the Building Resilience and Active Communities in Extractive Landscapes (BRACE) project across Ghana from August to November 2024.

Kyebi Training – Eastern Region (August 2024)

We facilitated a three-day workshop in Kyebi, Eastern Region, where our team led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Michelle Akuffo, Jeanette Adrews, Valerie Agyei-Mensah engaged traditional authorities, community leaders, and residents in in-depth sessions focused on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). The training emphasized the rights of communities to be informed and to provide consent before any project affecting their lands and livelihoods proceeds. This critical principle underpins efforts to protect communities from exploitative extractive practices and promotes long-term ecological preservation.

Ellembelle Training – Western Region (August 2024)

Our journey continued in Esiama, Western Region, where lawyers Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Michelle Akuffo, and Valerie Agei Mensah led interactive workshops. These sessions equipped participants with tools to advocate for sustainable development and hold extractive companies accountable. By strengthening legal literacy and rights awareness, the training supported community-led efforts to resist harmful mining activities and demand transparency.

Kumasi Training – Ashanti Region

• August 26–28, 2024
  Oliver Barker-Vormawor and Michelle Akuffo led a comprehensive training on Ghana’s extractive sector legal framework, highlighting legal remedies available to affected communities.
  
• September 2–6, 2024
  Dr. Jamal Tonzua, Juliet Opoku, and Paulina Quartey trained participants on safe evidence-gathering techniques. These practical sessions focused on documenting and reporting illegal mining activities, empowering communities to act with confidence and legal backing.
  
• November 2–6, 2024
  A Conflict management workshop  focused on crucial skills required to manage emerging conflict and addressed rising threats, strengthening community readiness and collaboration in the fight against illegal mining.
  

Through these initiatives, Merton & Everett LLP continues to stand with communities defending their environment. As extractive activities threaten Ghana’s ecological balance and traditional livelihoods, our work ensures that justice, law, and community resilience remain at the forefront of national development.

We are honoured to contribute our legal expertise to such vital causes and look forward to expanding this impact in the years ahead.