CENTERING TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS AND ETHICS ON WATER BODIES IN GHANA

Contemporary approach towards the ecology in Ghana is one determine by economic pervasiveness in generating resources for better living conditions. Among the topical ecological issues today is illegal mining popularly known as ‘galamsey’; and one of the most affected are water bodies. Even more serious is the inability of the government and authorities vested with the legitimacy to protect the ecology to adequately deal with such menace. Again, the role of traditional authorities who are seen as custodians of culture and allodial holders of land have been ineffective in dealing with the unchecked and unmeasured attitude towards the ecology in Ghana. The corollary is that it is projected that if these pollutions are not abated immediately, Ghana may import drinking water in the near future. The phenomena has resonated many discourses on the attitude towards water bodies. Traditional approaches towards the ecology has been under two streams; spirito-centric and physical approaches. Here, water bodies have been managed by communities with the thought that inherent in them are spirit beings or gods. This had restricted pollution attempts over the years till now. This study takes a look at the traditional beliefs and conservationist approaches that have been held towards water bodies and how these beliefs aided in protecting and safeguarding water bodies from pollution. It further assesses the extent to which these beliefs can be re-centered to elicit a more protective approach towards water bodies. The position is that traditional beliefs form a viable basis for an ethic of the ecology.

Keywords: Traditional Beliefs, Ecology, Ethics, Water, Ghana.