Galamsey: Chiefs must not trade rivers for mining royalties – Baffour Sikabede

Akyem Essase Chief Baffour K.S. Sikabede urged traditional leaders to reject mining activities that jeopardize rivers, forests and the future of their communities, warning against accepting financial inducements. He emphasized chiefs as stewards of stool lands and environmental protectors, whose role extends beyond ceremonial duties.

Sikabede stressed that before the establishment of modern environmental laws, traditional communities had safeguarded natural resources through taboos and cultural restrictions, treating rivers as living, revered entities rather than exploitable assets. He argued that traditional governance effectively combined spiritual leadership with environmental stewardship, a model that legislative measures alone could not replicate.

Sikabede called on the government and relevant agencies to engage traditional authorities earlier in the process, providing them with the necessary resources for environmental protection, instead of relying on them to address damage after it occurs. He questioned whether Ghana would acknowledge chiefs as collaborators in enforcing environmental laws or merely observers as their lands are transferred to mining operations.

The chief pledged to prevent illegal mining activities within his traditional area, stating that no such operations would operate on Akyem Essase lands while he remained its chief. He emphasized that environmental preservation should be a shared responsibility, noting that land, water, and forest degradation ultimately harms the communities reliant on these vital resources.