For some time now, we have lamented over how illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has eaten deep into the very fabric of our nation. We have watched with horror as rivers turned brown, farmlands destroyed and livelihoods vanished under the weight of greed.
Despite countless government interventions and campaigns, the menace persists largely because those entrusted with protecting the land, such as chiefs, politicians and local opinion leaders have chosen greed over their people.
It is against this troubling backdrop that the courageous stance of Nana Quasie Essiem IV, Chief of Whindo in the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipality, must be celebrated. Her refusal to bow to the lure of GH¢2 million and other lavish incentives from illegal miners is not just rare, it is worthy of note.
In a time when the chieftaincy institution has come under fire for being complicit in galamsey operations, Nana Essiem’s defiance restores a measure of faith in traditional leadership. She did not only reject the offer but also acted decisively.
Upon discovering that the illegal miners, including some Chinese nationals, had entered her community with heavy-duty machinery, she ordered the seizure of their excavators, changfangs, generators and water pumps. Her swift move ensured the equipment was transferred to the Western Regional Police Command for safekeeping, an act that sent a powerful message that the law and the environment still matter.
Her words capture the spirit of genuine leadership: “I need money, we all need money, but I will not mortgage the future of the community in the name of money.” This statement echoes a principle many leaders, both traditional and political, have conveniently forgotten. The truth is, we all talk about galamsey, we all decry its dangers, yet too few are willing to take a stand when faced with the temptation of wealth.
Illegal mining has become not just an environmental issue but a moral one, a test of integrity. Chiefs, who are the custodians of our lands, play a critical role in either fighting or fueling the menace.
For too long, many have turned a blind eye, or worse, facilitated the destruction of their own communities for short-term gain. But Nana Essiem has proven that it is possible to lead differently and to value the sanctity of the land over fleeting riches.
Her courage should inspire others. The Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency and law enforcement agencies must complement her efforts by ensuring that the culprits face justice. We cannot allow her brave example to fade into another headline without meaningful follow-up.
As a nation, we must realise that development built on environmental destruction is no development at all. Our lands, rivers and forests are not just economic assets, they are our heritage, our security and our children’s inheritance. Protecting them is not an option; it is an obligation.
Nana Quasie Essiem IV has shown that leadership is not about wearing a crown, it is about having the courage to do what is right when it is least convenient. Ghana needs more chiefs like her.
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