Nana Anim Baffoe ll, Chief of Essam
The elders of Essam in the Bia West District, led by Nana Anim Baffoe II, have issued a strong statement against illegal mining, also known as “galamsey”, vowing to support President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to eradicate the practice.
During a visit by NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Nana Anim Baffoe II emphasized the community’s commitment to cocoa farming and environmental preservation, stating, “We hate galamsey and we don’t need it on our land.”
The chief’s statement carried significant cultural weight, as he revealed that discussing galamsey is considered a taboo on their land.
“Again, I Nana Anim Baffoe II and my elders think it is a taboo to mention the name galamsey on our land,” he declared, underscoring the depth of their opposition.
Nana Anim Baffoe II made a direct appeal to Chairman Nketiah to convey a message of unity to the nation’s highest office, transcending political divides.
“We will help the president of Ghana fight galamsey, and you being the chairman for the NDC, please tell the President of Ghana that we are behind him and we hate galamsey,” he urged.
This cross-party appeal highlights the growing consensus among local communities who bear the direct brunt of environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities.
The declaration from the Bia West elders is a significant boost for national anti-galamsey efforts, which have often faced resistance in some mining-affected communities.
By openly choosing cocoa cultivation over the quick profits of illegal mining, the people of Essam are signaling a commitment to sustainable livelihoods and environmental preservation for future generations.
For the elders and people of Bia West, the message is unequivocal: their identity, economy, and cultural values are inextricably linked to the cocoa farm, and they are prepared to defend it against any threat.
