Prophetess Anita Emefa Addai of Eagle Aura Obotantim Spiritual Center Declares: Only Chiefs and Otumfuo Can End Galamsey Menace
Prophetess Anita Emefa Addai, the Founder and General Overseer of the Eagle Aura Obotantim Spiritual Center at Abuakwa in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region, has declared that the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, can only be successfully won if the government works hand in hand with chiefs, queen mothers, and His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with journalists at her spiritual center, Prophetess Addai emphasized that despite numerous government interventions over the years, the menace of galamsey continues to devastate Ghana’s lands and water bodies because traditional authorities, who hold spiritual and cultural sway over communities, have not been fully involved in the enforcement of mining laws.
According to her, traditional leaders are not just symbolic figures; they are the custodians of the land and the spiritual guardians of rivers, streams, and farmlands. She explained that any meaningful fight against galamsey must integrate the authority of these leaders to ensure that mining communities comply with environmental and cultural laws.
“Governments have tried to fight galamsey through security operations and policy measures,” she said. “But without the involvement of our chiefs, queen mothers, and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, these efforts cannot yield lasting results. The people respect and listen to their traditional leaders; they have the authority to enforce rules and protect the environment in ways the government alone cannot.”
Prophetess Anita Emefa Addai further highlighted the spiritual dimension of the galamsey challenge. She noted that water bodies across the country are inhabited by powerful spiritual entities, and the pollution and destruction caused by illegal mining anger these forces. Communities that fail to honor the spirits in rivers and streams risk inviting calamities such as accidents, fires, and untimely deaths, she warned.
She also criticized some religious leaders who, through their teachings, have discouraged respect for traditional environmental practices, claiming that spiritual forces in rivers do not exist. “Many people fear to throw refuse in their churches, but they pollute rivers without fear,” she explained. “This double standard undermines both spiritual and environmental protection, and the consequences will eventually affect everyone.”
Prophetess Addai called on President John Dramani Mahama to lead a collaborative effort with Otumfuo, paramount chiefs, and queen mothers, noting that such a partnership would ensure community support and active participation in protecting water bodies and lands from illegal miners. She emphasized that these leaders have the moral authority and the community influence necessary to halt destructive mining practices and restore order.
She appealed to all Ghanaians, including religious and community leaders, to respect the sacredness of rivers and streams. Prophetess Addai stressed that environmental stewardship is not just a legal or political responsibility, but a spiritual obligation that requires reverence for the traditional custodians of the land and the forces that govern it.
Concluding her message, Prophetess Anita Emefa Addai of Eagle Aura Obotantim Spiritual Center affirmed that with the unity of government, traditional authorities, and spiritual leaders, Ghana can finally overcome the galamsey menace. She urged immediate action to protect the country’s rivers, farmlands, and natural heritage, stressing that failure to do so would have dire spiritual, environmental, and social consequences for the nation.
Her declaration underscores the growing call for collaboration between Ghana’s political leadership and traditional institutions as the country continues to grapple with the widespread destruction caused by illegal mining.
