Galamsey turning into “Mafia network” destroying Ghana – Otumfuo cautions
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has issued a warning that if Ghana’s political leaders do not take decisive action, illicit mining, known locally as galamsey, is turning into a “mafia situation” that might spread throughout the country.
Speaking on Saturday, November 8, at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Asantehene stated that the devastation brought about by illicit mining poses a threat to the nation’s future and calls for immediate, coordinated action that goes beyond political concerns.
“Galamsey, for example, is an issue that is so dear to everybody’s heart. We have to be very careful because it is destroying this country.
“It is becoming more and more of a mafia situation where if we are not very careful it is going to engulf all of us.” He said.
“It is politics because of votes and nothing else. I can’t see why we cannot take up this matter [galamsey] seriously unless we are all complicit,” He added.
The Asantehene called on journalists to keep exposing illicit mining operations and to hold people in positions of authority responsible for the devastation of the environment, which has contaminated rivers and deteriorated farming in many areas.
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