Defend Community Rights in Ghana

Ghana has recorded more than nine cyanide spills since the liberalization of the mining sector, and this has affected community livelihoods, with tremendous impacts on women in particular.

But the regulatory agencies still look on unconcerned. The people are shocked and dismayed that despite the frequency and scale of the cyanide spills and other human rights violations meted out to communities, these state regulatory agencies keep rejecting calls to impose tougher rules and fines on the company.

Now Golden Star Resources, the mine's owner, would like to expand the Dumase Pit to mine the ore contained in the deeper part of the pit. This would involve the resettlement of the Dumase Village.

The mine's expansion would include leveling low-income housing and schools, and should be done with the adequate consideration of community concerns and human rights.

Cyanide spills from the mine contaminated local riverand streams in 2004 and 2006, and Golden Star Resources has yet to commission the independent health investigation requested by community members.

The people have a right to decide whether or not a mine can expand in their communities, and you can help them. Tell Golden Star Resources to listen to the people whose lives they're affecting.

Please help defend community and human rights in Ghana. Tell them to respect the rights of nearby communities. We cannot continue to behave like ostriches and pretend that all is well. Please read and sign the petition today.