FETISH PRIEST FLEES AS ANTI-GALAMSEY TASKFORCE RAIDS SHRINE ALONG RIVER ANKOBRA

A fetish priest fled a shrine along the River Ankobra after a coordinated anti-galamsey operation uncovered a site believed to serve illegal miners spiritually. The operation, which occurred on September 17, forms part of escalating efforts by Ghana’s security services to clamp down on unlawful mining and its harmful effects on rivers and local communities.

The shrine, dedicated to Maame Wata and locally known as Togbe Nana Benin, was found within a makeshift structure on the riverbank during a riverine raid led by the Western Naval Command and other security units. Rampant galamsey operators reportedly use it to carry out spiritual rituals to protect their illegal operations.

Upon spotting the enforcement team, the priest fled, leaving behind ritual items and livestock prepared for sacrifice, including a sheep, goat, six fowls, a guinea fowl, cowries, two sheep and a fowl were found tied nearby, apparently awaiting ritual sacrifice.

Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd), Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, pledged that such spiritual fortifications will not deter the crackdown. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring the Ankobra River, which has suffered substantial pollution and environmental damage as a result of illegal mining.

“My answer is not to their gods or juju, but to the people. We will destroy everything and move forward,” a naval officer said at the scene.

Residents who depend on the river for drinking, cooking, and other domestic needs continue to face health risks due to contaminated water. Some have resorted to purifying it with alum before use.

The raid was not limited to spiritual sites. Authorities also dismantled illegal bunkhouses and seized mining equipment, demolishing structures used in mining operations along the riverbanks.

As part of the broader strategy to protect Ghana’s rivers, the anti-galamsey taskforce vows to sustain regular riverine and land patrols, clamp down on unauthorised encampments, and block sources of pollution, including illegal discharge and sand washing.