The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on the government to demonstrate firm and decisive leadership in addressing illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which he says is wreaking havoc on Ghana’s environment and water bodies.
Speaking at a dinner event held at the Manhyia Palace on Saturday, November 8, as part of the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, the Asantehene expressed grave concern over the growing menace, describing it as a “mafia-like” enterprise that threatens the nation’s future.
“Galamsey, for example, is an issue that is so dear to everybody’s heart. We have to be very careful because it’s destroying this country. It’s becoming more and more like a ‘mafia’ situation, where if you are not very careful, it’s going to engulf all of us,” he cautioned.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II criticized the lack of political will to confront the problem, attributing it to fears of losing electoral support. He urged leaders to put the national interest above partisan politics and act courageously to safeguard the environment.
“I was asking how many people would vote for a party or a government — why we don’t want to take a firm decision on these things. Because it’s politics, it’s because of votes, nothing else,” he said. “Governments are not able to make decisions because people say, if you do that, they wouldn’t vote for you. Don’t let them vote for you, but take a decision. We save the environment, we save the people, we save our health.”
The Asantehene also revealed that illegal miners are increasingly armed, making it dangerous for local authorities to confront them. He therefore urged traditional leaders, especially those in mining areas, to take responsibility and support government efforts to end the destruction.
“It’s not about employment, because we can get alternative employment. It’s about a decisive decision,” he emphasized.
Drawing from history, Otumfuo recalled that his forefathers mined gold responsibly without destroying the land or polluting water bodies.
“My forefathers mined gold years ago… They were not reckless in mining. We never destroyed any water or forest,” he noted.
The Asantehene expressed optimism that President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed pledge to tackle illegal mining decisively will be fulfilled, adding that he will personally follow up to ensure that the government’s commitment yields results.
