Galamsey: ‘To do nothing is no longer an option’ – Asantehene

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), and other professional bodies to remain steadfast in their opposition to illegal mining activities, which continue to devastate major water bodies and the environment.

His remarks follow recent statements from UTAG, GMA, and GBA condemning illegal mining and advocating for a ban on both small-scale and illegal mining practices.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended the President of the Ghana Bar Association for his bold stance against illegal mining and urged leaders of other influential groups to take similar action.

He reiterated that illegal mining is a major environmental threat and questioned the legal system’s response to individuals who pollute water bodies.

“Galamsey is an environmental enemy for the nation. What could be more serious for any people than to have the entire water supply system at risk? So, I think as lawyers you should find space during this conference to set up a panel to undertake a quick tour of the communities where this call is most prevalent to see the extent of the crisis we face and hopefully deliberate on how the laws should respond.

“As I see it, if an individual poisoned the water supply of a community, he will be liable for severe consequences under the law. What does the law do when one pours mercury into the same water supply knowing fully well it can kill? This issue now requires the collective effort of all sections of society. To do nothing is no longer an option. The Bar Association, the medical association and the university should get together to deal with this emergency.”

The Asantehene also shared a troubling personal experience during a visit to Cape Coast, where he witnessed the severe pollution of the River Pra, describing the situation as embarrassing.

“While I was going to Cape Coast, I stopped over the River Pra and what I saw was so embarrassing and then if as a nation we live for this to happen to us, we have to fight this no matter what.”