Galamsey is becoming more like a mafia that will engulf us - Otumfuo warns

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for a more drastic approach in the fight against illegal mining (Galamsey) in the country.

According to him, the galamsey menace continues to pose a serious threat to the country, warning that it could soon destroy both the nation and its citizens if not addressed.

Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards on November 8, 2025, he said, “Galamsey, for example, is an issue that is so dear to everybody's heart.

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“We have to be very careful because it's destroying this country. It's more and more like a mafia situation where if you are not very careful, it's going to engulf all of us.”

Otumfuo emphasised that the issue must be taken seriously, stressing that it should not be trivialized nor politicised.

He stressed on his belief that more actions can be taken by the government to stop galamsey, warning that the country becomes complicit in the menace if serious measures are not implemented.

“And, therefore, we have to take this issue very, very seriously. We joke about it or we think it's not serious, but it is and I was asking how many people would vote for a party or a government while we don't want to take a firm decision on this. I've asked myself, because it's politics, it's because of votes, nothing else.

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“I can’t see why we cannot take up this matter seriously unless we are all complicit, other than that, it's also a serious matter. So, I was listening to the president and I feel that more must be done to stop this,” he added.

🇬🇭 Galamsey is becoming more like a mafia ,if we’re not careful, it will engulf us all.” – Otumfuo Osei Tutu II warns at the GJA Royal Banquet. pic.twitter.com/TJfKLdGY5a

— CDR AFRICA (@cdrafrica) November 9, 2025

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