“I’m Ready to Sacrifice My Head to Protect Our Historic Waterfalls from Mining” – Esaase Mmrantiehene
The Mmrantiehene of Esaase, Opanin Akwasi Akwaboah, has vowed to sacrifice his head rather than allow mining activities to take place near the community’s historic waterfalls. His bold declaration comes as residents of the Juaben Municipality intensify their campaign against attempts by mining companies to encroach on the treasured site, which they consider both a cultural symbol and a vital source of life.
Speaking at a press briefing organized by the Concerned Youth of Esaase, the Mmrantiehene passionately condemned plans to mine in the area, warning that such activities would not only destroy the iconic waterfalls but also contaminate the River Kwartemaa and Oky3ade3. These rivers are essential for drinking, farming, and household use, making them the lifeline of the community. He stressed that preserving the waterfalls is a duty owed to both ancestors and generations yet unborn, and pledged his readiness to defend the land at all costs.
“I am ready to sacrifice my head to protect this land, these rivers, and our waterfalls,” Opanin Akwaboah declared, drawing applause from residents who had gathered to express their opposition to mining.
The Administrator of the Concerned Youth of Esaase, Emmanuel Boateng, echoed these sentiments, stating that the community would not stand idle while its heritage and environment were threatened. He warned that mining would lead to environmental devastation, water pollution, and the loss of an opportunity to transform the area into a sustainable tourist attraction that could generate jobs and revenue for the Juaben Municipality.
Women in the community also voiced strong concerns, emphasizing that polluted rivers would endanger their families’ health, reduce agricultural productivity, and worsen economic hardships. Many residents rely heavily on cocoa farming and access to clean water, and they fear that mining would jeopardize their livelihoods.
The community has already begun discussions with the Ghana Tourism Authority to develop the waterfalls into a tourist destination. Residents believe that this approach offers a sustainable alternative to mining, which they argue brings only short-term gains at the cost of irreversible environmental damage.
Opanin Akwaboah appealed directly to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, to intervene and protect the land and natural resources. He stressed that the waterfalls are more than just a tourist attraction, describing them as a spiritual and cultural landmark deeply tied to the identity of the people of Esaase.
Esaase’s campaign against mining reflects a growing national conversation about the importance of environmental conservation, especially in rural areas where agriculture and clean water remain critical for survival. The community’s passionate resistance has become a rallying cry for sustainable development, with leaders like the Mmrantiehene pledging their lives to defend their natural heritage.
By Melody Owusu Agyare
