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| by D.A.Akuoko, |
Mar 4, 2001 |
| Our forefathers , or ancestors could not explain the methods as they were shrouded in mystery and secrecy and became taboos in the communities. Some forests were declared as sacred “nananom mpo” that is where the spirits of our forefathers liveed. Such forests were not to be cultivated. Certain days in a week were set aside when nobody entered the forests. It was their belief that one met a misfortune if one entered such forests on forbidden days. The beliefs and taboos concerning these sacred places were passed down the generations. There were strict observance and hence, forests and lands were preserved. Rivers and streams and water bodies had their share of these traditional protective mechanisms. Vegetations along rivers and streams and other water bodies were not to be cleared, even for agricultural purposes. The water bodies were therefore protected from excessive evaporation. There was water always in rivers and streams even during drought. It was a taboo to defaecate near a river or stream, or dump rubbish into rivers. The believe was that it led to a bad omen. The river spirit would bring a sickness or calamity to the offender. Any indecent act committed against a river had serious repercussion. Some rivers and streams were worshipped and sacrifices were made to their spirits . Rivers and streams were therefore treated with respect so as not to offend their spirits and make them angry and bring some harm or calamity to the community With the high level of scientific and technological advancement. forests are giving way to cities and industries; rivers and water bodies are no more treated with the care and respect accorded them by our ancestors. Forests are being depleted and water bodies are drying up. All over the world people are crying about the green house effect and global warming and its consequences due to man's own activities. So has science and technology done more harm than good to the environment? This is very debatable.
With best regards
D.A.Akuoko
Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Sec Sch. School Coordinator World /I*earn - Ghana
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Comments
Science has done to Enviro(-) but Society (+) Joel Harding | Oct 2nd, 2001
Ghana is blessed to have had these beliefs that lead to the preservation of the land, it seems that the European and North American people believe prosperity and progress are more important than the environment.
I would say that yes, science has done the environment harm, but it has also done society a lot of good, especially in the field of medicine. Maybe science will redeem itself and help us save our earth, or maybe we've already done too much to change. I hope some of the Ghanan way of respecting the earth soon makes it's way into Western thought.
Ego and Politics VS Science and Society Youssef Amin, AIA Architect and Planner | May 31st, 2003
No place on earth went to the extreme in restricting the cutting of trees as the United States. The shocking result some 25 years later, is the appearance of uncontrolable fungus which KILLS all trees, old and young. Also Forest Fires were fought spending millions of dollars in equipment and manpower, and lives as well, to result in the worst densification of California's history, until the local Indian Tribes screemed loud to the Politicians to let the Fires take their course, inspite of endangered new communities and expensive homes being lost to the fires. I may consider preparing a featured article about this sensetive subject for all of us to share, it will contain a new California Law to CUT THE TREES, and freeze any restrictions imposed in the past 25 years by the Environmentalists. YA
Ego and Politics VS Science and Society Youssef Amin, AIA Architect and Planner | May 31st, 2003
No place on earth went to the extreme in restricting the cutting of trees as the United States. The shocking result some 25 years later, is the appearance of uncontrolable fungus which KILLS all trees, old and young. Also Forest Fires were fought spending millions of dollars in equipment and manpower, and lives as well, to result in the worst densification of California's history, until the local Indian Tribes screemed loud to the Politicians to let the Fires take their course, inspite of endangered new communities and expensive homes being lost to the fires. I may consider preparing a featured article about this sensetive subject for all of us to share, it will contain a new California Law to CUT THE TREES, and freeze any restrictions imposed in the past 25 years by the Environmentalists. YA
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