Chief Baffour K.S. Sikabede of Akyem Essase (Apaapam) cautioned traditional leaders on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, that they must not accept mining royalties in exchange for rivers, forests and other natural assets.
Speaking as guest of honour at the Fourth Annual Colloquium organised by the Department of Political Science Education at the University of Education, Winneba, the chief urged chiefs to prioritise the stewardship of stool lands over short‑term financial gains.
“Let us set our own house in order first. We must not trade our children’s river for a portion of royalties,” he said, appealing to the custodial role of chiefs as guardians of the environment.
Sikabede highlighted that traditional authorities have historically protected rivers and forests through taboos and culturally enforced restrictions, a system he described as “spiritual authority combined with environmental discipline.”
He called on the government and its agencies to consult and adequately resource traditional leaders before granting mining concessions on stool lands, rather than engaging them after environmental damage has occurred.
He also pledged to prevent illegal mining from gaining a foothold within his area, declaring, “No illegal mining operation will find its comfort on the lands of Akyem Essase while I hold this stool.”
The chief stressed that environmental protection is a collective responsibility, warning that damage to land, rivers and forests ultimately harms the communities that depend on them.
