The King and Overlord of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty Awulae Blay IX, has issued a strong warning against illegal mining (galamsey) in Ellembelle, declaring that he will not allow the destruction of lands, rivers, and forests under his reign.
Speaking at the climax of the 2025 Ellembelle Kundum Festival in Atuabo, Awulae Blay IX described galamsey as “an evil that must be stopped now before we all perish.” He emphasized that the continuous pollution of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and degradation of forests threaten the very survival of the Nzema people.
“If we destroy the environment, we destroy our very existence as a people,” the Paramount Chief declared passionately, urging all citizens to take responsibility for protecting the land and natural resources of Ellembelle.
The event, themed “Preserving Our Heritage, Protecting Our Environment – United in Peace for Sustainable Development,” underscored the need for a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature. Awulae Blay IX highlighted that the region’s rich natural endowments—gold, oil, gas, fertile lands, and rivers—must be preserved for future generations rather than exploited for selfish gain.
He also expressed deep concern over the growing environmental damage caused by galamsey, stressing that Ellembelle is “fast becoming a hub of galamsey,” a development he described as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
Commending the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, Awulae Blay IX said his appointment to lead the fight against galamsey was “not by accident but a divine selection for Ellembelle and NzemaMaanle.”
The Paramount Chief reaffirmed his oath to defend and protect the land, pledging his full cooperation with government efforts to curb illegal mining and promote sustainable development across the Nzema area.
By Bismark Armah Nwiah-Kwofie | Ekuzoa News Publisher | November 3, 2025