Omanghana
The Aboafohene of Konongo, Nana Gyasi, has claimed that an illegal miner died after allegedly being punished by a river deity for engaging in illegal mining activities that polluted a protected water body.
Speaking during a widely circulated media interview, the traditional leader alleged that the miner was “slapped to death” by the spiritual guardian of the river after attempting to carry out illegal mining at a prohibited location.
The chief’s remarks come as traditional authorities in parts of the Ashanti Region intensify efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to threaten rivers, forests and farmlands across Ghana.
Warning Against Illegal Mining
According to Nana Gyasi, the incident should serve as a warning to individuals involved in illegal mining activities, particularly those operating in and around protected rivers.
He said the rivers within the Konongo area are held in high spiritual regard by the local community and warned that anyone who ignores both traditional and state laws risks facing serious consequences.
The chief stressed that beyond spiritual beliefs, illegal mining has caused extensive environmental damage, particularly to the Nana Aworu River, which serves as a major source of drinking water for communities in the Konongo enclave.
He urged miners to stay away from protected water bodies and called for greater respect for both the environment and local customs.
Traditional Leaders Intensify Fight Against Galamsey
Nana Gyasi’s comments follow a series of actions by traditional authorities aimed at stopping illegal mining in the area.
In recent weeks, chiefs and elders in Konongo reportedly visited several illegal mining sites to demand an end to activities they say are destroying rivers and degrading the environment.
During the exercise, traditional rites were performed, with some chiefs invoking customary sanctions against individuals they believe are responsible for financing or facilitating illegal mining operations.
Reports from the area also indicated that some equipment allegedly being used by illegal miners, including water pumps, hoses and temporary structures, was destroyed during the operations.
Concerns Over Pollution
The renewed campaign comes amid growing concerns over the pollution of rivers caused by illegal mining.
Environmental experts and government agencies have repeatedly warned that galamsey activities continue to contaminate major water sources with mud, chemicals and other pollutants, increasing the cost of water treatment and posing risks to public health.
Traditional leaders in the area say they are determined to complement government efforts by using customary authority to discourage further destruction of natural resources.
Allegations of Local Involvement
The crackdown has also drawn attention to allegations that some local leaders may have facilitated illegal mining activities by allocating land to operators without the necessary regulatory approvals.
While investigations into such claims continue, Nana Gyasi emphasized that anyone found to be aiding illegal mining should be held accountable regardless of their position.
Although the chief’s account of the alleged spiritual incident cannot be independently verified, his comments have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with some Ghanaians supporting the use of traditional authority to protect the environment, while others argue that enforcement should remain firmly within the framework of the country’s laws and regulatory institutions.
The incident underscores the growing urgency of addressing illegal mining, which remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Source: Omanghana
