Accra: Ghanaian traditional priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam has attributed the deaths of some illegal miners to the pollution of water bodies across the country. Speaking in an interview on Onua TV on September 3, 2026, Nana Kwaku Bonsam claimed that traditional priests have undertaken spiritual activities aimed at dealing with the effects of illegal mining.
According to Ghana Web, Nana Kwaku Bonsam noted that the collapse of galamsey pits resulting in the deaths of illegal miners is not receiving enough attention. He claimed that these incidents are not being reported adequately. 'Galamsey pits collapsing and killing illegal miners are not being reported. Ever since we started making sacrifices and rituals with goats and cows, the people who have died are beyond discussion,' he asserted.
The traditional priest connected these deaths to the alleged spiritual consequences of destroying and polluting water bodies through illegal mining. 'Nananom that are killing them. That's because they're polluting our water bodies,' he stated.
Nana Kwaku Bonsam elaborated on the spiritual significance of water, revealing that it possesses spiritual powers and can respond to communication. He explained that water is regarded as a spirit that listens and manifests actions when communicated with. He further mentioned that deities in Akan traditional religion have powers that can be invoked through certain rituals.
The traditional priest also highlighted the consequences of extracting gold from water bodies without considering environmental damage. He narrated that when individuals seek permission from deities to extract gold, they often overlook the pollution that follows. 'When you go and tell the gods that there's gold in the water so they should permit you to take it, they have no idea you're coming to pollute the water, so they would allow you to get it,' he noted.
He concluded with a warning to illegal miners about the potential severe shortage of water resources due to pollution in the pursuit of gold. 'But after getting the gold, you will get thirsty,' he added.