“…curses don’t work.” – galamsey menace has weakened Ghana’s river deities, claims Fetish Priest
The destruction of water bodies caused by illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has rendered many of Ghana’s river deities powerless, according to Okomfo Baffour Gyau, a member of the Fetish Priests Association of Ghana.
Speaking at the 14th Yam Festival in Bibiani Old Town, Okomfo Baffour Gyau lamented the spiritual and social consequences of galamsey.
“The galamsey menace has turned all the spirits in the rivers that were guarding the nation helpless,” he claimed. “At first, there was high fear for someone to steal, but today robbery is increasing daily because curses don’t work.”
He attributed the rise in disasters, crime, and other societal vices to the loss of power in sacred water bodies and called on the government to intensify efforts to end illegal mining.
“Now there is a high death rate and other outbreaks of diseases in the country that are caused by the bad activities of human beings because our river bodies have lost their power of protection,” he said.
The event, which featured various traditional priests showcasing their rituals, also highlighted concerns from other religious leaders. Some Christian leaders expressed frustration over the pollution of water bodies, noting its impact on baptismal rites for new converts.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Nkawie, Oheneba Kwame Ako, used the occasion to urge citizens to embrace peace as the country heads to the polls in December.
