Traditional Ruler Sets Pace in Environmental Protection

Accra Mail (Accra)

September 17, 2001
Posted to the web September 17, 2001

Ama Gyamea

Most traditional rulers in these modern times are known to be spearheading activities that bring in money to their area. Once money is involved, it really does not matter if the very ground on which their subjects stand has to be sold.

Indeed, some of the activities of some of these modern day chiefs have created havoc to the environment. Their desire for money at all cost and their compromising stance has resulted in the destruction of our forests and wildlife resources through intensive and excessive logging, hunting as well as farming.

The irony of these economic ventures is that our future survival is at risk. We may not know nor appreciate the fact that the different components of nature from the earthworm to the elephant and from the tiny grass to the huge trees, each plays vital roles that contribute to our food security and thus secure our lives on earth.

While conservationists know that man must live and do not advocate outright ban on exploiting nature's resources, they are calling for wise-use of the earth's biological resources - plants, animals, water bodies and other forms of life and for a deliberate attempt on our part to conserve them.

As has been pointed out already, while the actions of some traditional rulers seem contrary to conservation efforts, some have distinguished themselves. One of these distinguished traditional rulers is the Okyenhene or King of Akyem Abuakwa, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin.

He is not a latter day saint in championing biodiversity conservation and it is likely that Osagyefuo's interest in conserving the ecology of his kingdom was inherited. Historical records indicate that one of his ancestors, Nana Sir Ofori Atta I, the Okyenhene in the 1920's passed bylaws to protect rivers from pollution and recession; and hillsides from erosion. He also initiated action to protect forests and mining towns from excessive pollution and degradation. Under Nana Sir Ofori Atta's administration, tree planting and reforestation were also highly encouraged.

The aim of the current Okyenhene is to sustain and broaden this exemplary tradition and extend its benefits to all communities in Ghana. Part of his policy is to properly manage the environment. In Osagyefuo's words, "this is necessarily and rightfully so because of our great appellation Kwaebibirem - The Dark Forest. This historic appellation is fast eroding in merit due the depletion of our forest resources. Our rivers and other water bodies are drying up or being polluted. Chainsaw operators and even legal logging activities are becoming a problem... it is our intention to stop or minimize these problems."

It is towards this end that the Okyenhene has established The Okyeman Environment Foundation. It is meant to address the following issues:

* Promote, cultivate, sponsor, develop, aid and advance the public interest in and appreciation of environmental and natural resource preservation and protection;

* Sponsor and assist organisations involved in environmental and natural resource preservation, education and planning;

* Sponsor and assist individuals in the study of the environment, ecology and the sustainable use of natural resources through scholarship;

* Sponsor lectures, symposia and workshops and publish/disseminate information about the environment and natural resources;

* Do other things necessary, desirable or useful to accomplish the Foundation's goals on its own or in concert with other organisations and individuals having similar purposes.

Another outstanding goal is that Osagyefuo hopes to appoint and enstool "Abodesante ahenfo" (Environmental Chiefs) to work with the Foundation and promote environmental concerns in such a way that all inhabitants of the kingdom will be aware of and directly benefit from the work of the foundation.

These measures if implemented accordingly, will no doubt enhance the status of biodiversity in the Akyem Traditional area, which will in turn promote biodiversity conservation in the Eastern region and have a positive impact on the country's biodiversity in general. It is for this reason that the Foundation must be supported by all and sundry.

Environmental NGOs should lend a helping hand to this "new and very important convert". For as an Akan saying goes, "you do not leave the thumb aside and tie a knot". If this big thumb has offered his services, then biodiversity conservationists should embrace him and begin to tie bigger knots for the sake of national survival and posterity.

In this regard, it is gratifying to observe that environmental NGOs have already started warming up to the Osagyefuo's ideas. Mr. Joshua Awuku-Apaw of the Green Earth Organisation says that the Okyeman's initiative is what NGOs have been clamouring for over the years. "We believe that when traditional authorities embrace environmental conservation, the task of rejuvenating the environment would be half won," he says adding that, "we therefore commend the Okyehene for this bold initiative and will support and join forces with him."

This support was evident during the celebration of the first Okyeman Environment Week last year when representatives of various environmental NGOs participated actively. The Week is now established as an annual event, which starts from World Environment Day. As part of the celebrations, the Okyenhene conducts a tour of parts of Okyeman Traditional Area, to inspect timber concessions, meet with chainsaw operators and interact with farmers. The occasion is used to appeal to them to be mindful about the impact of their activities on the environment and the need for them to adopt practices that promote biodiversity conservation.

The education sector has not been left out of the programme. An award scheme has been instituted for school children who excel in environmental protection activities in the area.

The Okyeman Environment Foundation was launched on Saturday 9th June 2001 at Akyem Abuakwa in the Eastern Region. The ceremony was graced by the presence of many well meaning national and international environmentalists and conservationists.

By his action, this Traditional Ruler has set a pace for the protection and conservation of the country's biodiversity. Fortunately, a few like the Nandom Naa, Naa Dr. Charles Pwoure Imoru Chiyr V II, have in their own small ways been encouraging their subjects to embark on biodiversity conservation friendly activities.

But the big question is will the rest of the rulers who are in the majority follow suit or just allow their natural biological resources to be further destroyed for the sake of money?