The rights of indigenous people in Ghana, Africa and the world: Applying the golden rule

In the heart of Africa, where the vibrant rhythms of diverse cultures intertwine, lies the rich needlepoint of indigenous communities. From the ancient Berber villages nestled among the rugged peaks of the Atlas Mountains in North Africa to the serene homesteads of the San people across the vast expanse of the Kalahari Desert, these communities embody the soul of our continent.

And cradled in Ghana, the gateway to Africa, are diverse groups of indigenous peoples who are a beautifully woven pattern in our identity as a people. At a recently held high-level meeting in New York, the UN Permanent Forum on
Indigenous peoples discussed their rights to ensure peace and development.
particularly within the contexts of Ghana and Africa. Prior to that, was the
commemoration of the Golden Rule Day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as part of the
World Interfaith Harmony Week.

The United Nations defines Indigenous peoples as “ethnic groups that are the
original inhabitants of a particular geographic region, often predating the
establishment of modern nation-states. They have distinct cultural, linguistic,
social and economic characteristics that differentiate them from the dominant
societies in which they live. Indigenous peoples have historically lived in close connection with their ancestral lands, relying on traditional knowledge and practices for sustenance, cultural expression, and spiritual beliefs.”

A cursory reflection will reveal how you may be an indigenous person of the land
and/or related. The reality is that we are the same. In Africa, and particularly in Ghana, we have been able to successfully merge tradition with our adopted rational-legal way of getting things done, especially traditional rule, and embed it in contemporary governance at all levels.

Indigenous peoples are the custodians of unique cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems that are valuable to the fabric of the larger societies of which they are a part. Their rights are not only essential for upholding principles of justice and equality but also for supporting sustainable development and promoting peace.

As custodians of Ghana's diverse cultural heritage, we bear a collective
responsibility to uphold the rights and dignity of indigenous communities,
recognizing their intrinsic value and contributions to the nation's social, cultural, and economic outlay. By furthering dialogue, promoting understanding, and nurturing genuine partnerships between indigenous and non-indigenous
stakeholders, we can forge a path toward a more just, equitable, and harmonious
country where all citizens, irrespective of their cultural background, can realize their full potential and live with dignity and respect.

In many parts of Africa, amongst indigenous peoples, there are holidays of
obligation dedicated to not “disturbing” nature. In Ghana, it is common knowledge that amongst fishermen and farmers, depending on the traditional area and the culture of the people, specific days are dedicated to rest. Anyone who violated these rules was sanctioned by the respective traditional rulers, and people obeyed. This practice has transcended generations to date.

The practical essence is to protect the natural resources and the ecosystem for
future generations. This is just one of many examples of environmental protection and sustainable development strategies that could be adopted by indigenous peoples in our quest for sustainable development. Yet, behind these examples of pragmatic approaches and customs of indigenous peoples that inure to the benefit of society, their traditions and customs have faced struggles, and they have been resilient. For generations, indigenous peoples have faced the harsh realities of marginalization and displacement; their voices are often drowned out by the tumult of progress.

As urbanization sweeps across the land, ancestral territories are encroached upon, leaving scars on the land and disrupting the delicate balance of life. The lack of access to basic services, such as education and healthcare, further deepens the divide, leaving many indigenous families trapped in cycles of poverty and despair.

So why have the issues of indigenous people not been brought to the national
agenda and body politics? We need to review our approach to the inclusion of
indigenous peoples. This is how applying the Golden Rule comes into play.

The Golden Rule principle is rooted in the teachings of different faith traditions and underscores the importance of empathy, compassion, and mutual respect in promoting peace and harmony in our communities. Despite the challenges of war, strife, and natural disasters that afflict various regions, we reaffirmed our commitment to treating others as we wish to be treated. It is commemorated on the 5th of April every year.

In a world increasingly marked by division, conflict, and inequality, the Golden
Rule serves as a beacon of hope and compassion. It reminds us of our shared
humanity and the importance of empathy and kindness in all our interactions.
Though Ghana is making progress in this regard, we need to scale up the effort.
The chieftaincy system in the country is practical evidence of this remarkable feat.

The chieftaincy arrangements allow chiefs in different traditional areas to
adjudicate and resolve issues facing their people with fairness and justice. The
remarkable example of how traditional authorities have been integrated into
governance and public administration in Ghana point to how we all can advance
in practical terms, the rights of indigenous peoples.

Recognizing our collective commitment to ensuring the rights of indigenous peoples are protected, everyone should brighten the light of hope for our people. It is hoped that this springs from the collective efforts of communities coming together to reclaim their rights and assert their presence, inherent dignity, and worth. It is hope that ensures that with each step forward, we come closer to a future where every voice is heard, every life is valued, and no one is left behind.

In spite of the steps taken to recognize indigenous peoples’ rights through
legislative and policy reforms, significant challenges persist, casting shadows over the progress achieved. Land-related conflicts, stemming from competing claims and encroachments on ancestral territories, threaten to destabilize communities and erode cultural identities.

Inadequate representation in decision-making processes further marginalizes
indigenous voices, hindering their ability to shape policies that directly impact their lives and livelihoods. Moreover, limited access to essential services such as education and healthcare exacerbates socio-economic disparities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion within indigenous populations.

Addressing these challenges demands a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
transcending political boundaries and societal divides. It requires a comprehensive approach that combines legal reforms with community-driven initiatives aimed at empowering indigenous communities and amplifying their voices. Strengthening mechanisms for land tenure security, ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare, and promoting cultural preservation and revitalization efforts are essential steps toward building a more inclusive and equitable society where indigenous peoples can succeed and contribute meaningfully to the nation's development.

Furthermore, we must ensure that indigenous rights are mainstreamed into national development agendas and international frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals. By integrating indigenous perspectives into decision-making processes and development initiatives, we can build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies.

The following suggestions are made for consideration to strengthen ongoing interventions in safeguarding and promoting the inclusion of indigenous people in a larger scheme of national affairs:

Legal Recognition and Land Rights: We call on UN and AU member states
to advocate for legal recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights to their
ancestral lands and territories, interwoven into customary land tenure
systems with strong State protection from land grabbing and forced
evictions.

The Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759) recognizes the leadership of
Indigenous Peoples and makes provisions for ensuring their rights to land as
properties are respected, ensuring compensation is paid for any acquisition by
government or any entity thereof. The Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) further
makes provision for the management of land issues in Ghana, including
what we call Stool Lands (Lands for traditional authorities and indigenous
peoples).

Cultural Preservation and Heritage: Let us recommit to efforts at supporting initiatives aimed at preserving indigenous languages, traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and rituals that are consistent with human rights.

Capacity Building: We need to intentionally develop curricula for both
regular education and adult education to enlighten indigenous groups and
communities. This would facilitate their empowerment and inclusion in
local governance, and ultimately contribute to local economies.

Environmental Conservation: Sustainable development truly starts with
recognizing the relevance of our natural resources to the life and livelihoods
of indigenous communities. Recognizing the vital role these communities
play in protecting natural resources and eco-system with respect for their
knowledge of traditional ecological practices can help us achieve the
Sustainable Development Goals.

Partnerships and Dialogues: We must ensure that indigenous communities
are involved in engagements with governments, civil society, the private
sector, academia, and the media to engender dialogue, collaboration and
mutual respect. This will probably be the most profound translation of the
Agenda 2030 mantra: “Leave No One Behind."

We need to reaffirm our commitment to stand in solidarity with Africa's indigenous peoples, pledging to work tirelessly to ensure that their rights are not just recognized but celebrated. And that their voices are not just heard but amplified. We should practically uphold the principles of equality, justice, and respect for diversity.

We must build a future where diversity is embraced, where justice reigns, and
where every individual, regardless of their background, can succeed and flourish.

Together, we should work towards a future where the rights of indigenous peoples
are fully recognized, protected, and promoted, ensuring peace, prosperity, and
dignity for all.