Ghana – Defending the Defenders: Training of Climate, Environmental, and Human Rights Defenders on SLAPPs

On July 24th, 2023, the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Africa (CASA) officially launched its West Africa chapter, a significant expansion in its mission to combat Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). Held in Accra, Ghana, the event was a collaborative effort by the Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW), CASA and Third World Network-Africa (TWN-Africa. The launch was complemented by a comprehensive training session on the newly developed Anti-SLAPP Toolkit, designed to empower activists, journalists, and civil society organizations facing SLAPP suits.

Setting the Tone:

The day began with a warm welcome from Claude Kabemba, Executive Director of SARW, who introduced CASA West Africa. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing SLAPP suits, which are increasingly used by powerful entities to silence dissent and criticism. Yao Graham, Coordinator of TWN-Africa, provided a background on TWN’s role in CASA and highlighted the growing threat SLAPPs pose to free speech and public participation in the region.

Understanding SLAPPs and the Anti-SLAPP Toolkit: 

Monica Mbugua, Research and Policy Officer at SARW, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the nature and implications of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) during the launch of the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Africa (CASA) in West Africa. She highlighted the growing use of SLAPPs across Africa, where powerful corporations and individuals deploy these legal actions to silence critics, including activists, journalists, and community leaders, by burdening them with expensive and time-consuming legal battles. Mbugua explained that these lawsuits, often lacking substantial legal grounds, are designed to intimidate and financially exhaust the defendants, thereby suppressing public criticism and participation.

She emphasized the detrimental impact of SLAPPs on democratic values, noting that they undermine free speech, Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), deter civic engagement, and weaken the capacity of civil society to hold powerful entities accountable. Research conducted by SARW and CASA has revealed a troubling rise in such cases across Africa, reflecting a broader trend of shrinking civic space and increasing threats to freedom of expression on the continent.

To counter these challenges, SARW developed the Anti-SLAPP Toolkit, a comprehensive resource providing practical strategies for identifying and combating SLAPPs. The toolkit includes guidance on legal defenses, advocacy tools, and strategies for mobilizing community and legal support. Thuli Zulu, Advocacy and Research Officer at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), introduced the Anti-SLAPP Toolkit during the event. This toolkit, developed in collaboration with CALS, SARW, and other stakeholders, offers practical strategies and legal resources to identify, resist, and combat SLAPP suits.

The training session included interactive components such as role-playing exercises, group discussions, and practical demonstrations, equipping participants with the skills needed to effectively use the toolkit. The session emphasized the importance of recognizing SLAPPs early, understanding the legal rights and protections available, and mobilizing support networks to resist intimidation. This initiative not only supports individuals and organizations targeted by SLAPPs but also strengthens the broader movement for democratic governance and social justice across the region. The launch of CASA in West Africa marks a significant step in building a regional network dedicated to protecting public watchdogs and advocates, promoting legal reforms, and ensuring a robust defense of free speech and public participation.

Building a Collaborative Framework:

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to establishing a working group for CASA West Africa. This segment, moderated by Yao Graham, encouraged participants to discuss strategies for regional cooperation and to identify potential members and partners. The session also reiterated the introduction of the Pamoja Critical Minerals Alliance, inviting stakeholders to join and contribute to this new initiative. 

Conclusion and Call to Action: The event concluded with a call for solidarity and action. Claude Kabemba and other speakers highlighted the importance of joining CASA, not just to resist SLAPPs but to promote corporate accountability and environmental justice across Africa. Participants were encouraged to actively engage with CASA, utilize the Anti-SLAPP Toolkit, and continue advocating for free speech and public participation​