The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has lashed out at his chiefs over the surge in illegal mining (Galamsey) activities in parts of the Asante Kingdom.
He said the chiefs should take part of the blame for the activities of illegal miners in their jurisdictions although the government does not involve them in the granting of leases to mining companies.
Addressing the Asanteman Council on Friday 14 October 2022 at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, called out his sub chiefs for not taking up the fight against illegal mining but rather, accepting monies form illegal miners thereby, making it difficult on their part to make any meaningful contribution to the fight against galamsey.
“The galamsey menace is annoying and completely unacceptable. Have you ever reported issues of security and environmental destruction arising from galamsey activities?” The Asantehene asked his sub chiefs.
“Some of the issues that have come up, we are a part of the problem. Some of you, these very galamsey people come to your homes to give you money. Some of you get money,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said.
“It is true you have no gun or stick but don’t we have our own structures? Can’t you speak when we come for the Asanteman Council meetings?
“It is because they have brought you money at home so you are unable to report the issue. I hear some of you are also given gold when they visit you, how about that?” the Asantehene said.
Government action
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said the government and its institutions which is leading the fight against galamsey do know the actual people behind illegal in the country.
However, he bemoaned the lack of political will to deal with these persons who are behind the menace.
“The government must be up and doing. They know all those involved but they cannot arrest them. They have resorted to more talk and less action,” the Asantehene said.
“Let everyone play their part in our quest as a nation to eliminate this sad phenomenon called galamsey,” he added.
SOURCE: Daily Mail GH with additional files from Asaase Radio
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