By GNA Reporter
Kumasi, Nov. 12, GNA – A Ghanaian novel highlighting the devastating effects of illegal mining on water bodies, livelihoods and public health has been approved by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) as supplementary reading material for Junior and Senior High School students.
An official release issued by the author, Mr Jimmy Aglah, to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), on Thursday, said the novel, “When the River Testified”, seeks to use literature to deepen young people’s understanding of environmental destruction and their responsibility towards protecting the country’s natural resources.
The approval came at a time when Ghana continued to grapple with the effects of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which had contributed to the degradation of rivers, forest reserves and farmlands, the release said.
Set in the fictional Ghanaian town of Asempa Nkwanta, the novel follows Kofi Densu, a broadcast journalist investigating the deteriorating condition of a river, whose findings uncover a wider environmental and public health crisis.
Scientific tests conducted by a character in the story, Dr Mensima, reveal elevated levels of mercury and lead in water and food crops.
This prompts residents to confront the consequences of environmental pollution and the failure of individuals and institutions to act.
Through the unfolding investigation, the story explores the relationship between environmental degradation, public health, leadership and community responsibility.
Mr Aglah said the decision to address illegal mining through literature was intended to take the conversation beyond law enforcement and political debate to the values and attitudes of the younger generation.
“We cannot wait until our children become adults before teaching them why the rivers matter, why forests matter and why individual choices have consequences for entire communities,” he said.
The fiction, he said, offered an effective way of engaging young readers because it enabled them to understand environmental challenges through characters, evidence and the consequences of human actions.
The novel also aligns with the broader educational objective of developing learners who can think critically, solve problems and apply knowledge to real-life situations.
Its themes connect with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Four, particularly Target 4.7, which promotes education for sustainable development, responsible citizenship and sustainable lifestyles.
The story also touches on SDG Six, which seeks to ensure access to clean water and sustainable management of water resources.
Mr Aglah said although legislation and enforcement were necessary to address environmental destruction, lasting change required a generation that understood the consequences of irresponsible behaviour.
“Laws are important, enforcement is important, but sustainability ultimately depends on what a generation believes,” he said.
“If young people grow up understanding that poisoning a river is not simply an environmental offence but an attack on health, livelihoods, food security and the future, we begin to build a different kind of citizen.”
He expressed the hope that the novel would serve as a resource for guided classroom discussions, literature lessons, reading clubs and environmental clubs.
Teachers can use the story to encourage students to examine evidence, interrogate competing interests, discuss moral responsibility and propose solutions to environmental challenges in their communities.
“The approval, therefore, presents an opportunity to incorporate environmental consciousness and responsible citizenship into learning, particularly, at a time when the protection of Ghana’s natural resources remains a major national concern.”
Mr Aglah said the river in the story served as a metaphor for nature’s ability to reveal the consequences of human actions.
“The river in the story cannot walk into a courtroom. It cannot organise a demonstration or hold a press conference. But it can testify through what happens to the people who depend on it,” explained the author.
“I want young readers to understand that nature eventually presents its evidence.”
With the NaCCA approval secured, attention is now turning to publishing, nationwide distribution and partnerships to make the novel accessible to schools and young readers across the country, he stated.
The author said he was engaging publishers and organisations interested in education, literacy, environmental sustainability and youth development to support its production and distribution.
The book has been verified by NaCCA under Book ID NaCCA/G.42/Vol.8/366.
GNA
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage