Livelihood and Environment Ghana marks 20years of advocacy and impact in Kumasi

Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG), a Sunyani-based non-profit organization, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a colorful ceremony in Kumasi under the theme: “LEG @ 20: Reimagining Nature, Livelihood, and Community Rights.”

Registered as a national research and advocacy NGO, LEG operates in 46 communities across seven regions in Ghana: Bono, Ahafo, Western, Ashanti, Central, Eastern, and Western North. The organization focuses on promoting environmental sustainability, community rights, sustainable livelihoods, active citizenship, and mineral governance. It collaborates with policymakers, duty bearers, and corporate organizations to address critical issues in mineral governance and policy.

Milestones and Achievements

In his address, LEG's Executive Director, Mr. Richard Adjei-Poku, reflected on the organization’s humble beginnings in the Kenyasi Number Two community. Lacking office space, initial meetings were held in the Asutifi Educational Complex classroom.

By 2005, LEG had introduced “community film shows” in partnership with Third World Network-Africa (TWN-Africa) to educate communities on both the positive and negative impacts of surface gold mining. The films highlighted the realities faced by mining communities in Prestea and Tarkwa, providing vital information to the people of Ahafo, who were new to large-scale mining operations.

“The film shows offered sufficient and useful information about surface gold mining, helping communities make informed decisions regarding their engagements with mining companies,” Mr. Adjei-Poku explained.

Over the past two decades, LEG has implemented a wide range of programs, including community advocacy, capacity building, economic empowerment for women, afforestation projects, and litigation to protect community rights. Through networking, media engagement, and partnerships with corporate bodies and policymakers, LEG has enhanced the living conditions of the poor and marginalized in its operational areas.

Mr. Adjei-Poku highlighted the environmental toll of unsustainable mining practices in regions such as Ahafo, Ashanti, and Western, which have experienced deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. “This underscores the importance of LEG’s mission to address environmental degradation and advocate for sustainable mining practices,” he added.

The Way Forward

As part of the celebration, LEG reiterated its commitment to a future where nature thrives, livelihoods are sustainable, and communities are empowered to claim their rights. “Our theme captures the journey we have undertaken and the vision that guides us—a future of reimagined nature, livelihoods, and community rights,” Mr. Adjei-Poku said.

Commendation and Call to Action

Dr. Yao Graham, Executive Director of TWN-Africa and Guest Speaker for the event, commended LEG for its dedication to improving the welfare of mining communities. He emphasized the importance of managing Ghana’s non-renewable mineral resources responsibly to ensure benefits for present and future generations.

“Minerals are public assets owned by all of us, managed on our behalf by the government. Unfortunately, our experiences reveal consistent mismanagement. Organizations like LEG play a crucial role in advocating for transparency and reform in resource management,” Dr. Graham stated.

As LEG marks 20 years of impactful work, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to promote sustainability, equity, and justice for communities impacted by environmental and mineral governance challenges.

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