About LMWG

About LMWG

Lands governanceMining activityCommunity impact

Who we are

Independent voice for mining & land accountability

Lands and Mines Watch Ghana (LMWG) is a prominent civil society organisation and advocacy group focused on the sustainable management of Ghana's extractive and land sectors. We serve as a watchdog for transparency, local content participation, and the protection of national interests in mining and land administration.

We were founded to close the gap between policy promises and on-the-ground realities. Our work is independent: we are not aligned with political parties or mining firms — so communities and partners can trust our evidence and our advocacy for accountability.

Mission

To monitor mining governance and land-sector decisions, publish credible evidence, and advocate for transparency, sustainability, and accountability so mineral wealth and land policy serve all Ghanaians.

Vision

A Ghana where extractive and land decisions are open, communities are protected, indigenous participation is meaningful, and revenues are tracked from pit to public benefit.

What guides us

Our values

Four principles shape how we work with communities, media, and institutions.

Transparency

We publish sources, methods, and limitations — not just conclusions.

Community-first

Affected communities are experts in their own experience; we listen first.

Independence

No pay-to-play advocacy. Our credibility is our asset.

Evidence-based

Claims are backed by documents, field notes, and verifiable references.

What we do

Core mandate & advocacy

Local content

We promote indigenous Ghanaian participation in the mining value chain — including championing transparent lease transitions such as the Damang Mine, to safeguard jobs and keep economic benefit within the national economy.

Regulatory oversight

We monitor the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission so that mining leases and licences are granted through transparent, competitive processes.

Sector reforms

We support the Land Bank and Digitalization Project as tools to reduce land litigation and streamline lawful land access for investors and citizens.

Legal & technical guidance

Through our Technical and Operations Director and partners, we provide analysis of mining contracts and the GoldBod Act (Act 1140), aiming to ensure policy changes benefit host communities and the public interest.

People

Leadership

Under the leadership of Kwame Owusu Danso, with technical and operational leadership from Oheneba Kwadwo Boachie, LMWG positions itself as a defender of indigenous participation and accountable governance in Ghana's extractive sector.

Kwame Owusu Danso, Esq.

Kwame Owusu Danso, Esq.

Executive Director, Lands and Mines Watch

Professional Profile Kwame Owusu Danso, Esq. is a Ghanaian lawyer, governance advocate, policy analyst, media practitioner, and corporate executive with extensive experience spanning law, public policy, strategic communications, mining governance, business leadership, and public affairs. He serves as the Executive Director of Lands and Mines Watch Ghana (LMWG), a civil society organisation dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, responsible mining, environmental sustainability, and good governance within Ghana’s extractive sector. Under his leadership, the organisation has become an active voice on mining policy, mineral resource governance, local content, environmental compliance, and institutional accountability. Kwame is also the Managing Partner of Africa Law Focus, where he advises individuals, corporations, government institutions, and investors on commercial transactions, corporate governance, mining law, regulatory compliance, public policy, and dispute resolution. Beyond legal practice, he is an accomplished communications strategist and business executive, having led several corporate organisations in strategic planning, public relations, policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and institutional development. His professional career combines legal expertise with practical experience in governance reform, leadership, economic policy, mining regulation, investment promotion, and institutional strengthening. Education Kwame Owusu Danso has pursued multidisciplinary academic and professional training in law, leadership, governance, and public policy, including: • Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), University of London • Legal Practice Course (LPC), University of Law (United Kingdom) • Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) • Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Trade and Business Law, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) • Professional legal training and additional certifications in company law, governance, leadership, and international legal practice He is also pursuing doctoral research in Public Policy and Leadership, focusing on housing governance, institutional reforms, and regulatory systems in Ghana. Areas of Expertise • Corporate and Commercial Law • Mining and Natural Resources Law • Public Policy Analysis • Governance and Institutional Reform • Regulatory Compliance • Constitutional and Administrative Law • Strategic Communications • Public Relations • Political Risk Analysis • Corporate Governance • Leadership Development • Stakeholder Engagement • Public Affairs • Investment Advisory • Alternative Dispute Resolution Professional Experience Throughout his career, Kwame has served in legal practice, business management, media, and civil society leadership. His experience includes work in: • Legal advisory services • Corporate management • Media broadcasting • Strategic communications • Policy advocacy • Public affairs consultancy • Civil society leadership • Mining governance • Corporate compliance • Leadership development Research Interests • Public Policy • Democratic Governance • Leadership • Housing Policy • Institutional Reform • Mining Governance • Regulatory Systems • State Capacity • Political Economy • Sustainable Development • Accountability Frameworks • Anti-Corruption Policy Public Advocacy Kwame has consistently contributed to national conversations on: • Mining sector reforms • Environmental governance • Responsible mineral development • Constitutional governance • Rule of law • Public accountability • Economic governance • Anti-corruption reforms • Leadership and institutional development Media Experience Before focusing extensively on law and governance, he built a career in broadcasting and communications, serving as a television and radio presenter, master of ceremonies, and public affairs commentator. His media experience strengthened his expertise in strategic communication, public engagement, crisis communications, and policy advocacy. Vision Kwame Owusu Danso is committed to promoting ethical leadership, institutional excellence, accountable governance, and sustainable economic development through law, research, advocacy, and strategic policy engagement. His work seeks to bridge legal practice, public policy, and governance to strengthen democratic institutions and support inclusive national development. Professional Motto “Leadership grounded in integrity, guided by law, and committed to national development.”

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Nii Kwartei Kojo Owoo, Esq.

Nii Kwartei Kojo Owoo, Esq.

Deputy Executive Director

Nii Kwartei Kojo Owoo is a lawyer admitted as a Solicitor and Barrister of the Supreme Court of Ghana and professionally qualified through the Solicitors qualification pathway in England and Wales. He is the Managing Partner of Africa Law Focus PRUC, where he leads the firm’s practice in mining, energy, and natural resource law, advising investors, mining companies, and project developers on the legal and regulatory framework governing resource development in Ghana and across Africa. His work focuses on mineral rights, mining leases, regulatory compliance, project structuring, and resource-based financing. With over a decade of prior experience in the banking sector, he brings strong insight into project finance, investment structuring, and risk management in the extractive industries. Mr. Owoo holds a B.A. (Hons) in Economics from the University of Ghana, an LL.B. (Hons) from the University of London, and an LL.M. from the University of South Wales (UK). He also holds a Barrister-at-Law (BL) certificate from the Ghana School of Law and certification in Managing Risk in Project Finance from the Ghana Banking College.

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Stanley Kwabla Arku

Stanley Kwabla Arku

Executive Secretary to the Executive Director of Lands and Mines Watch Ghana (LMWG)

Stanley Kwabla Arku is the Executive Secretary to the Executive Director of Lands and Mines Watch Ghana (LMWG). He provides strategic executive support to the Executive Director, oversees executive correspondence and administrative coordination, and facilitates stakeholder engagements that advance the organization’s policy, advocacy, and institutional objectives. In his role, Stanley works closely with government institutions, regulatory bodies, civil society organizations, development partners, and industry stakeholders to ensure the effective coordination of executive activities and organizational initiatives. He also supports the planning and execution of high-level meetings, policy dialogues, and strategic engagements that promote responsible natural resource governance and sustainable mining practices in Ghana. Before joining LMWG, Stanley gained professional experience in journalism, documentary production, and strategic communications, where he developed strong competencies in research, public communication, media relations, and policy reporting. His multidisciplinary background enables him to bridge communications and executive administration in support of evidence-based advocacy and institutional development. Stanley is committed to advancing LMWG’s mission of promoting transparency, accountability, environmental stewardship, and responsible resource governance in Ghana’s extractive sector.

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In the news

Recent press & positions

In the first half of 2026, LMWG issued multiple press statements on high-stakes mining transitions and legislative reforms. Highlights include:

Damang Mine lease process (March–April 2026)

LMWG commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for a decisive, transparent approach to the Damang Mine lease expiry. We recommended credible local entities for the transition — including Engineers & Planners (E&P) as a strong candidate — to align with local content goals, protect jobs, and keep mining returns in Ghana. We urged the Ministry to sustain transparency through the final award and guard against backroom deals.

GoldBod Act, 2025 (January 2026)

We defended the Ghana Gold Board Act (Act 1140), characterising much of the opposition as political theatre. We supported licensing indigenous aggregators such as Bawa Rock Limited under the scheme, arguing that formalising gold trading improves traceability and helps address smuggling and revenue leakage.

Land administration & digitalization (2026)

Through press engagements we have backed the Land Bank and Digitalization Project as essential to resolving multiple sales, land-guard activity, and related barriers to lawful investment.

Selected coverage

External reporting on LMWG positions — opens in a new tab.

How we operate

Governance

LMWG is governed by its leadership and advisory structures, with clear policies on conflicts of interest and funding transparency. We publish high-level information about our governance approach on request and in our annual reporting where applicable.

The organisation answers to its mandate: credible monitoring and public interest advocacy — not to industry sponsors or partisan agendas.

  • Leadership & oversight

    Strategic direction sits with accountable leadership and advisory input, with documented roles and decision pathways.

  • Integrity & transparency

    Conflicts of interest and funding sources are managed through explicit policies and disclosure where it serves the public interest.

  • Reporting & accountability

    We align governance disclosures with annual reporting and stakeholder expectations, prioritising clarity over jargon.

Partners & stakeholders

Institutions and networks we engage in pursuit of transparent, accountable mining governance.

Minerals Commission
Ghana EPA
GHEITI
Parliament of Ghana
WACAM
ActionAid Ghana
Civil Society Coalition
Minerals Commission
Ghana EPA
GHEITI
Parliament of Ghana
WACAM
ActionAid Ghana
Civil Society Coalition

Get Involved

Stand with communities.
Demand accountability.

Whether you are a researcher, journalist, community leader, or concerned citizen — there is a role for you in holding Ghana's mining sector accountable.

Contact LMWG →Access our reports