Asantehene Laments Illegal Mining Has Become An Albatross On His Head

• Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has asked probing questions about the progress of the fight against illegal mining in Ghana
• He said illegal mining, which is rampant in the Ashanti Region, has become a major problem for him
• The Asante monarch said it was unfortunate that despite the government's efforts to clamp down on illegal miners they still thrive

Asante monarch Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has confessed that the activities of illegal miners have become a major problem for him and the minerals-rich areas in his kingdom.

The Otumfuo made the remark when the US Ambassador to Ghana Virginia E. Palmer visited the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Friday, September 30, 2022.

“When you come to galamsey, that is an albatross on my head. It is rather unfortunate that it is happening this way. Ghana was known as the Gold Coast…but during that time it wasn’t like the galamsey that we are talking about now," he said.

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Illegal mining: Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II questions lack of willpower to address menace

He added:

“It has gotten to the point where the equipment used…they are don’t care about the environment and all that. But the question is who is in charge of the security in that area?” he quizzed.

He said it was strange that the fight against the destructive practices of illegal mining has not been successful from the district level to the highest level.

“Government set up a military and police [taskforce] to fight them. Why have we not been able to do it?

“If after all the president has done to fight it; even promising to put his presidency on the line but we haven’t been able to stop it then something is wrong somewhere and we must begin to ask questions,” he said.

Illegal Mining: Kwame Sefa Kayi Fears Ghana Is Breeding Rebels As Galamsey Persist

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Gun battle between “galamsey taskforce and illegal miners” captured on video

In a separate story, YEN.com.gh has reported Kwame Sefa Kayi has said gun-wielding illegal miners are fast becoming a national security threat.

The popular host of local language morning programme 'Kokrokoo' said illegal miners in Ghana's deep forests pose a threat to the country.

He fears they could degenerate into a rebel group and destabilise a democratically elected government.

His comments follow a viral video of a gun-battle between illegal miners and the anti-illegal mining national taskforce.

Source: YEN.com.gh