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Indigenous Land Rights Are Under Attack. One Man Is Fighting To Change That

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As people commemorate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9, Nana Kwesi Osei Bonsu wants to highlight the importance of land to Indigenous people and communities.

“For Indigenous communities, land rights are not just a legal issue, but the very foundation of their cultures, livelihoods, and futures,” said the 36-year-old founder of Land Rights Defenders, a non-profit organization that advocates for Indigenous property rights. 

Bonsu argues that Indigenous people and communities have a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual connection to the land. That connection affects their livelihood and subsistence, self-determination and governance, and their determination to protect the environment. What’s more, it also shapes their response to historical injustices, or the systemic and enduring wrongs committed against Indigenous peoples throughout history. These often stem from colonization, dispossession, and forced assimilation.

Bonsu fled his native Ghana for fear of persecution and torture stemming from a land rights dispute. Last year, the United States Department of Homeland Security granted him humanitarian parole. 

As a youth leader and voice of the Benimasi-Boadi people, Bonsu said he was arbitrarily arrested, subjected to six days of agonizing pain, and threatened with death for exercising his rights. Fearing for his life and safety, he was forced to flee Ghana. The United States government recognized the credible threat he faced and allowed him to resettle in the United States.

“After breaking through the cycle of oppression and fleeing my homeland to escape persecution and torture, I felt the calling to institute a global movement that will impact the upcoming generations with the spirit of resilience, courage, and determination,” Bonsu said, describing his decision to start a nonprofit.

It’s a long-term fight

Based in Columbus, Ohio, where Bonsu has made a new home, the nonprofit works to build a world where Indigenous communities thrive on their ancestral lands with their rights fully recognized and protected.

“We believe secure land rights are the cornerstone of a just and sustainable future for these communities,” he said, arguing that this can only be done by empowering communities, raising awareness, building solidarity, and influencing policy.” 

“It’s a long-term fight,” he added. “But by working on these fronts, we aim to create a future where Indigenous communities can live on their lands with dignity, security, and the ability to determine their own destinies.”

Land Rights Defenders empowers communities through educational workshops on land rights, leadership training, and sustainable development projects.

A new home for activism

Bonsu, who moved to Ohio in February 2023. He says he finds solace and strength in his work with Land Rights Defenders. Bonsu spoke before the United Nations on Indigenous land rights. He emphasized the struggle for rights in Ghana and calling for international action to address human rights violations.

“Since arriving [in the U.S.], I have been fortunate to build a strong support network, particularly through my marriage to a U.S. citizen,” he said. “However, the adaptation process has been bittersweet. While I am grateful for the safety and opportunities this country offers, the separation from my community and homeland is a constant source of heartache.”

Nana Kwesi Osei Bonsu, founder of the organization Land Rights Defenders.

Bonsu says that everyday people worldwide can get involved in the fight for Indigenous land rights. One way is through a new campaign his organization launched called Art Meets Activism.

“Art can be a powerful way to connect with people on an emotional level, making the issue more relatable and sparking interest,” Bonsu said. “By combining artistic expression with activism, the Land Rights Defenders hope to create a powerful movement that raises awareness, shifts public perception, and ultimately leads to a future where Indigenous land rights are respected.”


About the author

Kristi Eaton is a journalist and communications consultant.

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