Honourable Inusah Abdulai Bistav Fuseini, a former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has voiced strong concerns regarding the detrimental effects of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s water bodies.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Fuseini shared a poignant anecdote from a visit to Kyekyewere, a town in Dunkwa Offin, Central Region, highlighting the country’s deep cultural and environmental significance of water bodies.
During his visit, Fuseini recounted a conversation with the Queen Mother of Kyekyewere, who expressed dismay at the current generation’s approach to mining.
According to Fuseini, the Queen Mother lamented how today’s miners, driven by the quest for gold, have ignored the wisdom of ancestors who refrained from mining in water bodies despite knowing their gold deposits.
She emphasized the importance of these water bodies not only for drinking but also for supporting commercial activities and local fisheries.
The Queen Mother’s reflection was a stark reminder of the traditional understanding that water bodies are sacred and vital to life.
Fuseini underscored this perspective by explaining that water bodies are not merely resources but also hold spiritual significance, as they are believed to be inhabited by deities that require respect.
Fuseini criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for failing to address the issue of galamsey effectively.
He argued that the government’s lack of decisive action reflects a disregard for water bodies’ environmental and cultural importance.
“The government has not adequately tackled the galamsey menace, which has led to the destruction of our water resources,” he said.
“This negligence shows a lack of respect for the sacred nature of these bodies and their crucial role in our lives.”
His comments reflect a broader concern among environmental advocates and community leaders about the long-term consequences of illegal mining on Ghana’s natural resources and the need for a more respectful and sustainable approach to resource management.
