Chief Priest Suman Storms Galamsey Site at Akwe-Allah, Warns Miners Over Pollution of River Paamu

Chief Priest Suman Storms Galamsey Site at Akwe-Allah, Warns Miners Over Pollution of River Paamu

ABOFREM, ASHANTI REGION — The Chief Priest of Asuo Paamu at Abofrem in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, Okomfour Baffour Gyau's Suman Kwaku Abrantee, has visited an illegal mining site at Akwe-Allah to protest against what he described as the destruction of the environment and pollution of the River Paamu.

The traditional spiritualist Suman arrived at the site in his traditional spiritual attire, expressed anger over the activities of illegal miners whom he accused of degrading the land and contaminating the river.

Suman Kwaku Abrantee was dressed in red and white from head to toe, with powder on his face and red bands around his forehead and both hands. He also carried his traditional cane and other spiritual items and walked barefoot to the mining site.

According to him, his decision to visit the site followed concerns over the changing condition of the River Paamu, which he said has been adversely affected by illegal mining activities.

Linguists Sent to Warn Miners

Suman Kwaku Abrantee explained that before going to the mining site, he sent some of his linguists to speak to the miners and urge them to stop their activities and protect the river.

However, he claimed the miners refused to heed the warning, arguing that the linguists had no authority to order them to stop their operations because they were not police officers.

He said the miners subsequently challenged him to come to the site himself, prompting him to visit the area.

Upon his arrival, the miners reportedly fled the site.

The Suman Kwaku Abrantee then destroyed one of the chanfang starters at the site as a symbolic demonstration of his opposition to the mining activities and a warning to those involved.

‘I Will Not Allow River Paamu to Be Destroyed’

Suman Kwaku Abrantee said he would not sit idly by and watch illegal miners destroy River Paamu, which he described as a vital source of water for residents of Abofrem and surrounding communities.

He said the river serves several communities and supports farmers, particularly those engaged in vegetable cultivation.

According to him, the water is also believed by some people to have healing properties, attracting individuals from outside the country who come to fetch it for various purposes.

He stressed that the river therefore holds significant importance to the people and must be protected from activities that could permanently destroy it.

“River Paamu is the only source of water for many people in Abofrem and the surrounding communities. We cannot sit and allow galamsey to destroy it,” he said.

Promises to Fight Galamsey

Suman Kwaku Abrantee warned illegal miners that he would resist any attempt to destroy the river and the surrounding environment.

He said he was prepared to take action against the miners and their equipment, insisting that the community would not tolerate activities that threaten its major water source.

He further noted that while some traditional authorities and chief priests may have allowed illegal mining to take place in their respective areas, he would not permit the same situation to happen to River Paamu.

Calls for Police and Traditional Authorities to Intervene

Suman Kwaku Abrantee has meanwhile appealed to the Atwima Mponua District Police Command, the Ashanti Regional Police Command, and the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to intervene in the situation.

He called for urgent measures to stop illegal mining activities around River Paamu before the situation becomes irreversible.

He also urged community members, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to unite in protecting the river and the environment for present and future generations.

The development comes amid growing concerns over the impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s forests, farmlands and water bodies.

Residents of Abofrem and surrounding communities are now looking to the relevant authorities to take action to protect River Paamu and prevent further degradation of the area.

Source:Bibianinews.com