The Traditional Priest/Priestess Association of Ghana has vowed to invoke curses on illegal miners, commonly known as galamseyers, for destroying rivers across the country.
The announcement was made during the launch of the association at the Buffalo Hotel in the Kwabre-East District of the Ashanti Region.
Speaking at the event, Nana Abonkore, the fetish priest of the Offin River, expressed deep concern over the continuous destruction of water bodies by galamseyers.
He noted that these rivers, which are sacred and meant to serve the entire nation, are being severely damaged by illegal mining activities.
Nana Abonkore further stated that the gods are angered by these actions and will no longer tolerate the disrespect shown to the rivers and traditional authorities.
He warned that the priests are determined to take all necessary measures, including invoking curses, to put an end to the devastation caused by illegal mining.
“The gods are furious, and we can no longer stand by and watch the destruction of our rivers. We will do everything in our power to stop these galamseyers,” Nana Abonkore declared.
Komfo Nana Yaw of Asomdwie Kwabena, the chairman of the association, also called on citizens to take responsibility and protect their lands from illegal miners.
He urged the public to resist allowing galamsey operators to encroach on farmlands and destroy natural resources.
Additionally, Komfo Nana Yaw appealed to chiefs and local leaders to refuse bribes and incentives from galamsey kingpins, such as money and luxury cars, emphasising the need to prioritise the future of the youth.
He warned that failure to do so could result in traditional authorities being included in the curses.
“We must stand together and protect our resources. Chiefs must resist the temptations of money and cars from these gallant kingpins. If they don’t, they too will face the consequences of the curses,” Komfo Nana Yaw stated.
The association’s strong stance against illegal mining comes amidst growing concerns about the environmental damage caused by galamsey activities in Ghana, particularly the pollution of rivers and farmlands.