At the Global Mining Summit in Accra, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, pointed to deep-rooted corruption and political miscalculations as critical factors hampering Ghana’s efforts to eradicate illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
The revered traditional leader voiced grave concerns about the environmental damage caused by galamsey, including pollution of water bodies, deforestation, and destruction of pristine lands. He argued that despite numerous government interventions, weak enforcement and systemic failures continue to undermine progress.
Otumfuo called for a shift towards evidence-based policies and stringent regulatory enforcement to effectively address the crisis. He urged stakeholders to take a sober, collaborative approach in reviewing the options to curb the menace.
On a positive note, the Asantehene praised government initiatives such as the Gold for Oil (Gold4Oil) programme and the creation of Goldbod—a new mining entity—as promising developments that could restore stability and boost investor confidence in the sector.
His statements have reignited discussions about the need for a united, transparent strategy to confront illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
