Implications of traditional beliefs and practices on naturalresource conservation and management: evidence fromsome selected urban rivers in Ghana

The article presents an assessment of the implications of the use of traditional practices and belief systems onnatural resource conservation, using a case of selected communities in Ghana (Fomena, Tepa, Tanoso, and Ejisu).The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approach to achieve the formulated objectives. A totalof 208 (52 each) respondents were selected mainly by convenient and snowballing sampling techniques. Data werecollected using both unstructured interview guides and questionnaires. The study revealed that taboos, totems,and customary practices are the major instruments used in the conservation and management of rivers in thestudy areas. However, it was realized that the traditional measures are challenged by the influence of westernreligion, education and modernity, increasing immigration resulting in a high number of foreigners, civilization andsometimes ignorance. The study recommends the traditional authorities, families as well as clergymen for peopleto appreciate the differences in African traditions and African religion should undertake that massive sensitization.Also, government or agencies (like the Environmental Protection Agency and the local assembly unit) responsiblefor taking care of the environment and its resources should incorporate the traditional measures in their policiesand action plans toward natural or environmental resource conservation and management like water bodies.