Founded by Nana Kwesi Osei Bonsu in response to land grabs and environmental degradation, Land Rights Defenders provides legal support, advocacy, and education to those most affected. The organization is a growing global network dedicated to protecting biodiversity and ancestral lands. Inspired by his experiences and the legacy of his great-great-grandfather, King Osei Tutu, Nana’s vision for the organization is to defend ancestral lands and safeguard the rights of indigenous and marginalized communities in Ghana and beyond.
Founding Story
The journey of Land Rights Defenders is deeply connected to the Huahi Achama Tutuwaa Royal Family, descendants of King Osei Tutu, founder of the Ashanti Empire. This family has long been custodians of the Benimasi-Boadi lands, acquired through matrilineal succession, symbolizing cultural heritage and identity. Their defense against external threats and leadership inspired the creation of Land Rights Defenders Inc., honoring and upholding ancestral values and traditions.
Key Achievements and Ongoing Efforts
Land Rights Defenders has used international laws like the Rome Statute, UNCAT, and UNDRIP to hold human rights violators in Ghana’s Ashanti region accountable, protecting community rights. We submitted spatial data and a case study to the United Nation Environment Program through the UNEP-WCMC to enforce FPIC for the Benimasi-Boadi Indigenous Community Conserved Areas, ensuring their land is protected from unauthorized exploitation. We also aided the Benimasi-Boadi community in appealing a biased ruling influenced by the Kumasi Traditional Council and filed a Special Procedure complaint to the Human Rights Council to seek redress for victims of human rights violations by the Ghana Police force.
Advocacy for the Enforcement of Ghana’s Land Act 2020 (Act 1036)
We are working on a book project, “Echoes of Ancestry”. This project documents the Benimasi-Boadi community’s cultural heritage, their struggle to protect their ancestral legacy, and the inspiration behind Land Rights Defenders Inc. This project aims to preserve and share the community’s history and resilience. Additionally, we advocate for the enforcement of Ghana’s Land Act 2020 to protect the land rights of all Ghanaians, especially Indigenous and marginalized communities. We collaborate with local communities, government agencies, and international partners to raise awareness, provide legal support, engage in policy advocacy, and monitor the Act’s enforcement, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the protection of customary land rights.
Impact
Since our incorporation in 2023, Land Rights Defenders has made considerable progress in advocating for indigenous and marginalized communities. We have formed impactful partnerships with organizations like USAID, Microsoft, Google for Nonprofits, Candid, and GlobalGiving, enhancing our mission and reach. These collaborations have increased awareness about land rights issues and empowered many individuals and communities to protect their land for future generations.
Call to action
Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to defending land rights, aiming to expand our reach, strengthen our network, and advocate for justice and sustainability. We believe that by working together, we can ensure everyone has the right to their land and necessary resources. We invite community members, activists, lawyers, and philanthropists to join us in making a difference and protecting land rights for all.
