A female chief in the Western Region has won public admiration after she turned down a GH¢2 million bribe from illegal miners and ordered the seizure of their heavy-duty equipment in a decisive move to protect her community’s environment.
Also Read
Nana Quasie Essiem IV, Chief of Whindo in the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality near Takoradi, said she refused to compromise the safety and future of her people in exchange for personal gain.
According to her, a resident led a group of Chinese investors to her home and offered her the money and other benefits if she would allow them to mine gold in the area.
“I need money, we all need money, but I will not accept such money and mortgage the future of the community in the name of money,” Nana Essiem said, expressing anger over the ongoing environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.
Nana Essiem ordered the seizure of the illegal miners’ excavator, changfang machines, generators, water pumps, and other accessories, which have since been handed over to the Western Regional Police Command in Sekondi.
She explained that after warning the group to stay away, they returned in her absence with their equipment and began destroying vegetation and topsoil in preparation for mining.
“Before the police could arrive, I hired a low bed truck and hauled the equipment to the Regional Police Command for safekeeping,” she revealed. “They have to reclaim the land they have already destroyed and face the authorities.”
The Whindo Chief emphasized her firm stance against any form of illegal mining in her jurisdiction, declaring that her opposition would remain unwavering whether or not the miners presented legal documentation.
“Our land is our livelihood; it is in trust for generations unborn, and we must protect it at all costs,” she stated. “As long as I lead this community, it is a no to galamsey ,today, tomorrow, and always.”
Her community members have also pledged to stand by her, vowing to prevent illegal miners from polluting their environment and introducing social vices.
An engineer and resident of Whindo, Mr. Henry K. Adjei, lauded Nana Essiem’s bravery and called for more traditional leaders to emulate her example.
“The system needs the likes of the Chief of Whindo to support the government’s fight against illegal mining. Such courage is a significant tool for victory and a testament to the power of community leadership,” Mr. Adjei said.
Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, continues to be a major national concern, contributing to environmental degradation, health hazards, and the pollution of water bodies across the country.
Nana Quasie Essiem IV’s action has been hailed as a powerful demonstration of integrity and leadership, reinforcing the critical role traditional authorities play in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources.
Source: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei / GBC
