Bibiani: Mr. Augustine Niber, the Executive Director of the Center for Public Interest Law (CePIL), has called for the empowerment of populations affected by mining to enable them to seek redress through legal and institutional channels. The CEPIL, a non-partisan and non-governmental organization, is dedicated to making the pursuit of justice accessible and affordable for poor and marginalized communities and individuals.
According to Ghana News Agency, CEPIL advocates for and facilitates access to justice for poor communities against policies and actions, both private and public, that adversely affect their interests. Mr. Niber emphasized the need for mining-affected communities to be more informed about laws, conflict resolution, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. He highlighted that ADR tools such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration serve as effective alternatives to formal litigation, fostering harmony and sustainability, especially in mining-impacted areas.
Mr. Niber made these remarks during the closing session of the third and final edition of the paralegal training workshop organized by CEPIL, held in Bibiani, Western North Region. The workshop brought together 40 representatives from gold and bauxite mining communities, including Nyinahin, Awaso, Saakrom, Kyekyewere, Mpasaaso, Apenimadi, and Kasotie, from the Western North and Ashanti Regions. The training aimed to equip them with legal knowledge and practical skills to promote justice and protect human rights in their communities. It also sought to strengthen their understanding of justice mechanisms and how to resolve disputes outside the formal court system.
Mr. Niber reiterated CEPIL’s commitment to supporting and empowering mining communities legally and building the capacity of local actors to address rights violations and advocate for equitable and sustainable development within these communities. He praised CEPIL’s ongoing efforts to provide legal knowledge and enhance the capacities of mining communities in advocating for justice in their respective areas.
He stated, “The final session is a crucial component of the broader training objective of empowering individuals in extractive communities with the legal tools necessary to protect human rights and pursue justice through appropriate and peaceful channels.” The training also covered topics such as barriers like legal costs and limited literacy, and discussed international redress options like the African Commission and ECOWAS Court. CEPIL presented certificates to each participant, marking their completion of the program.