The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a stern warning to government, traditional leaders, and Ghanaians at large to take the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, seriously — cautioning that failure to act decisively could lead to the total collapse of the nation.
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards Dinner held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Asantehene described illegal mining as a “mafia-like operation” that has deeply infiltrated Ghana’s governance systems, moral fabric, and environment.
“We are becoming more and more like a mafia situation, where if we are not very careful, it’s going to engulf all of us,” Otumfuo warned. “We have to take this issue very, very seriously. We joke about it or think it’s not serious, but it is.”
Otumfuo questioned why successive governments have failed to act boldly against the menace, suggesting that political expediency and the pursuit of votes may be preventing decisive action.
“I have asked myself if it is because of politics, because of votes, that we cannot take firm decisions on these people,” he said. “Unless we are all complicit, there is no reason why this matter cannot be dealt with seriously.”
The Asantehene urged chiefs, local authorities, and the media to take stronger, coordinated action against illegal mining in their communities. He disclosed that the menace continues to affect parts of his own traditional area, and said he has directed his chiefs to protect their lands from destruction.
Turning his attention to the media, Otumfuo commended journalists who have risked their safety to expose environmental degradation and corruption, emphasizing that their work is critical in promoting transparency and accountability.
He also praised President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed commitment to media freedom and journalist protection, as highlighted in the President’s earlier remarks.
“You have the assurance that you will be protected,” the Asantehene said, urging the media to continue upholding professionalism and integrity.
Otumfuo expressed gratitude to the national and Ashanti regional executives of the GJA for hosting this year’s awards in Kumasi, describing it as a great honour to the Ashanti Kingdom.
Despite the event coinciding with traditional observances, Dapaa and Akwasidae, the Asantehene said he chose to personally attend because of his deep respect for the Association.
“The date chosen was traditionally wrong for me because today is Dapaa and tomorrow is Akwasidae,” he explained. “But because of how I hold the GJA in high esteem and close to my heart, I decided to attend.”
Commending the winners, Otumfuo said the diversity and professionalism displayed by award recipients, especially female journalists, was proof that the future of Ghanaian journalism is bright.
He congratulated awardees from the Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Times, and Ghana News Agency, among others, for their dedication to credible reporting and national development.
The 29th GJA Awards, themed “Building Trust in Media for National Development,” brought together President Mahama, ministers of state, traditional leaders, and media practitioners to celebrate excellence and integrity in journalism.
bY Isaac Justice Bediako
