22/09/2025
🌍 Story: “The River Between Two Leaders”
In the town of Asumura, there was a great river called EsukÉ”, which had fed the people for generations. Children swam in it, farmers watered their crops from it, and fishers drew their daily bread from it. But in recent years, the river had turned the colour of mud. Fish floated lifeless, and the farms nearby no longer produced as they once did. The culprit was clear to all: illegal mining on the riverbanks.
At this time, Asumura was facing a leadership transition. The old Chief, Nana Kwame Adu, had ruled for 20 years. He was stepping down for a new leader, Nana Ama Nyarko, the first woman to ascend the stool. Both were respected, both had a chance to act.
The First Leader (Nana Kwame Adu)
Before he left office, the elders brought him reports:
• A teacher presented water samples showing the river’s contamination.
• A nurse showed records of rising skin diseases linked to the polluted water.
• Farmers testified that harvests had dropped.
But Nana Kwame Adu said:
“I hear you, but I cannot act now. Let the new chief handle it. Besides, these miners bring money into the town. If I drive them away, who will feed the youth?”
He ignored the evidence, thinking only of short-term peace.
The Second Leader (Nana Ama Nyarko)
When Nana Ama Nyarko took the stool, she too received evidence:
• The youth group presented satellite images of the shrinking forest.
• The women’s association brought jars of polluted water from the river.
• Even visiting researchers offered data on the destruction.
But Nana Ama Nyarko said:
“The people are tired of restrictions. If I act now, they will say I came to destroy jobs. Let me wait, and perhaps the problem will solve itself.”
She too turned away from the evidence, fearing to lose popularity.
The Consequence
Within a few years, EsukÉ” River died. The water treatment plant shut down. The youth migrated to other towns. Farmers abandoned their land. Asumura, once proud and self-sufficient, became dependent on charity from outside.
And so the people said:
“Two leaders passed, but both closed their eyes. They heard the truth, but refused to act. And because of their silence, our river is gone.”
