Paper short abstract:

In this paper, we explore the ways in which Akan Religious ideologies and oral histories could be used as an adaption strategy to reduce the destruction of water bodies through illegal mining activities.

Paper long abstract:

Ghana is notably one of the endowed countries with natural mineral resources in sub-Saharan Africa. While there are companies (both national and multinational) licensed by the state to mine these natural resources, others are also engaged in similar practices without official approval from the state. What has become worrying as part of their illegal mining activities is the destruction of water bodies that serve as a source of drinking water and livelihood for most communities in Ghana. In this paper, our aim is to explore the ways in which Akan Indi Religious ideologies and oral histories could be used as an adaption strategy to minimize or reduce the destruction of water bodies through illegal mining activities. We ask the question; if most of these water bodies are regarded as sanctuaries of important national deities, what religious philosophies could be adopted in educating and orienting the local communities about the consequences of the destruction of water bodies? Other more overarching question would include, in what ways would this religious ideology help to sanitize and promote practices that will safeguard the environment? How do we integrate these indigenous religious ideas to green activism project? Our method will include engagement with literature on Akan indigenous religions especially those that focuses on Akan deities and their role in society. We also aim to interview traditional leaders and residents who live around the communities where some of the major water bodies are affected by illegal mining.