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 to the serene homesteads of the San people, whose ancestral songs echo 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 People who are a beautifully woven pattern in our identity as a People.
At the recently held high-level meeting of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, I represented Ghana and the Africa Union, as Chairperson of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum Steering Committee to discuss the crucial topic of the rights of Indigenous Peoples and their significance in ensuring peace and development, particularly within the contexts of Ghana and Africa. Prior to that, we also commemorated the Golden Rule Day as part of the World Interfaith Dialogue.
According to the United Nations, “Indigenous peoples are ethnic groups who 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 to you, how you may be an indigenous person of the land and or related. The reality is that, we are one and the same.
In Africa, and particularly, Ghana, we have been able to successfully merge tradition with our adopted formal way of getting things done, especially traditional rule,alongside and embedded in contemporary governance at all levels. Truly, Africa is the cradle of civilization and has been the continent that can be described as having kept its culture and traditions post colonialism.
I have no doubt we know that Indigenous Peoples are the custodians of unique cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems that are valuable to the fabric of our societies. 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 embroidery. By furthering dialogue, promoting understanding, and nurturing genuine partnerships between indigenous and non-indigenous stakeholders, we can forge a path towards a more just, equitable, and harmonious Ghana where all its citizens, regardless of their cultural background, can realize their full potential and live with dignity and respect.
Do you know that in most parts of Africa, amongst Indigenous Peoples there are days dedicated to not “disturbing” nature? In Ghana, it is common knowledge amongst fisherfolk and farmers, depending on the traditional area and the culture of the people that, some days are dedicated to rest. This practice, has transcended generations to our contemporary world today – the practical essence is that we are to protect the natural resources, for future generations. This is just one of the examples of environmental protection and sustainable development strategy we could adopt from Indigenous Peoples in our quest for sustainable development. Let me add that, anyone who violated these rules was liable to be punished by the respective Traditional Ruler; and people obeyed!
Yet, behind these examples of pragmatic approaches and customs of Indigenous Peoples that inure to the benefit of society, the traditions and customs of Indigenous Peoples have faced struggles, and they have been resilient. For generations, Indigenous Peoples have faced the harsh realities of marginalization and displacement, their voices, 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 we not intentionally brought the issues of Indigenous Peoples to the national agenda and body politics? I believe we need to review our approach to the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples. That is how applying the Golden Rule comes into the picture. 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. Indeed, 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, kindness, and respect in all our interactions.
This is not to say nothing is being done by Ghana. However, we need to scale-up. The chieftaincy system in Ghana is practical evidence of this remarkable feat. As the leader and representative of my people as an Indigenous Group, I represent my people at the Local Government’s General Assembly, which is the highest decision-making body at that level and also on the Local Government’s Planning Coordinating Unit (L.I. 2232) – thus giving us a voice to address our concerns. The chieftaincy arrangements allow me as a Chief, and other Chiefs in different Traditional Areas, to adjudicate and resolve issues facing their people with fairness and justice. The remarkable example of how Traditional Authorities, as custodians and core representation of Indigenous Peoples have been integrated in governance and public administration in Ghana, points to how we all can advance in practical terms, the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Recognizing our collective commitment to ensure the rights of Indigenous Peoples are protected, I call on us all gathered here to brighten the light of hope for our People – let us commit to a brighter light that shines through the darkness they live in. It is the hope that springs from the collective efforts of communities coming together to reclaim their rights and assert their presence. It is the hope that comes from the recognition of their inherent dignity and worth, a recognition that is long overdue. It is the hope that with each step forward, we come closer to a future where every voice is heard, and every life is valued, and where we “Leave No One Behind”.
Despite steps made in recognizing indigenous rights through legislative and policy reforms, significant challenges persist, casting shadows over the progress achieved. Land 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 towards building a more inclusive and equitable society where indigenous peoples can succeed and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development course.
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 for all.
Excellencies, we therefore propose that we consider and strengthen ongoing interventions in these areas in safeguarding and promoting the inclusion of the indigenous people in our everyday way of life:
• Legal Recognition and Land Rights: We call on Member States to advocate for legal recognition of indigenous people’s 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 is 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 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 a respect for their knowledge of traditional ecological practices can help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Partnerships and Dialogues: Let us ensure that indigenous communities are involved in engagements with governments, civil society, private sector, the academia and 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”.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to stand in solidarity with Africa’s indigenous peoples. Let us pledge to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are not just recognized but celebrated, that their voices are not just heard but amplified; and we practically uphold the principles of equality, justice, and respect for diversity. Let us build a future where diversity is embraced, where justice reigns, and where every individual, regardless of their background, can succeed and flourish.
Together, let us work towards a future where the rights of indigenous peoples are fully recognized, protected, and promoted, ensuring peace, prosperity, and dignity for all. END
Writer: Chief Dr. Zakaria, Doliwura of Kusawgu Traditional Area, Savannah Region
The writer recently represented Ghana through the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MCRA) at the Golden Rule Day Commemorating World Interfaith Harmony Week in Ethiopia and as the AU Chairperson of Interfaith Dialogue Forum Steering Committee (AU-IFDF) at the 23rd Session of the High-Level Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN. This article is a reflection of the emerging issues, the need for issues of Indigenous Peoples to be on the agenda, what we are already doing and what we can strengthen.
