Training of Police Officers on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR)
Partnering with the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the Ghana ICWG held a training for 150 police officers in July 2024 at the Police Command and Staff College in Winneba. The session was part of a training program for police officers scheduled for deployment to specific mining sites across Ghana. The presentation focused on the fundamental principles of the VPSHR and their implementation in mining environments. Topics included common human rights violations, such as disproportionate use of force and physical mistreatment, often observed when police intervene in disputes between host communities and companies. The importance of conducting regular VPSHR refresher trainings for police officers was emphasized.
Site Visits to AngloGold Ashanti Mines
In November 2024, the Ghana ICWG co-chairs, Christopher Nyarko from the Fund for Peace, and Dr. Mercy Ackah from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, conducted site visits to AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi mine. They also went to social investment projects funded by AngloGold Ashanti: the skills training and robotics engineering centers, a school complex and a military FOB at the mine.
Site Visits to Newmont mine
In November 2024, the Ghana ICWG co-chairs, Christopher Nyarko from the Fund for Peace, and Dr. Mercy Ackah from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, conducted site visits to Newmont’s Ahafo South mine. They also went to social investment projects funded by Newmont: a hospital, a police training school, and a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the military in Ahafo.
