Deputy
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Barbara Serwaa Asamoah has said
that the country’s readiness to sign onto the Voluntary Principles (VPs) on
Security and Human Rights in the extractives sector will not be enough, and
that “implementing them is even more important.”
“Ghana’s
preparedness to sign on to the VPs is hinged on ensuring its implementation and
respect for the rule of law,” she said.
Ms.
Asamoah was speaking at a roundtable discussion on the VPs on Security and
Human Right in the extractives sector in Accra.
She said:
“Ghana’s resources, both human and natural, remain its greatest assets. The
extractive industries are an integral part of this nation’s economy -- a driving
force for development.
“The same
industry walks a thin line between promoting development and disrespecting its
host communities. As long as communities exist, businesses must co-exist. As in
any relationship, there will be frictions, differences in opinion and
priorities.
“These
differences are not necessarily bad. They could, if handled with foresight and
with a win-win strategy, strengthen the relationship and ensure the needs of
each party are met while respecting the rights of the other.”
The VPs on Security and Human Rights, launched in
2000, are a set of principles designed to guide companies in maintaining the
safety and security of their operations within a framework that encourages
respect for human rights, while helping companies work effectively with governments
that seek to protect human rights.
Abiodun Baiyewu, Global Rights Director
for West Africa, explained that the VPs are a useful tool for all governments
with interest in the operations of extractive industries and can help contribute
to the protection of human rights and prevention of conflict.
“The VPs are designed to guide companies in
maintaining the safety and security of their operations within an
operating framework that encourages respect for human rights, while helping companies
work effectively with governments that seek to protect human rights.”
Mr. Fidelix Datson, Security Manager, Tullow Ghana,
said many companies have already integrated the principles into their contracts
with private security service providers.
“Companies often interact with public or
private security providers that seek to protect company operations and
employers. If appropriate training and other measures for security providers
are not in place, human rights abuses can occur,” he said.
Richard Adjei-Poku, Executive Director of
Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG), a non-governmental group, expressed
hope that through the workshop much education and awareness will be
created among civil society organisations, local non-governmental
organisation and the media to enhance advocacy and move Ghana to quickly sign
onto the VPs.
He indicated that the VPs will promote a better
business environment and provide a platform to engage with multinational
extractive companies and civil society in mutual learning and joint
problem-solving on security and human rights.
“It can also support government policy objectives,
including poverty alleviation, investment, and conflict prevention. Signing the
VPs will help reduce conflict in the extractive industry and reduce costs
related to insecurity, as well as promote greater transparency and
accountability that can improve a country’s investment climate,” Mr. Adjei-Poku
remarked.
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