We must fight galamsey head-on – Otumfuo to GBA

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has commended the President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Yaw Acheampong Boafo, for his strong stance against illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” during the opening ceremony of the GBA’s annual conference in Kumasi.

Addressing members of the Bar at a dinner held at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo expressed his deep concern about the severe pollution of the River Pra, which he witnessed firsthand. He described the situation as “embarrassing” and called for urgent action to combat the destructive effects of illegal mining on the environment.

“I want to congratulate your president on his courageous statement on galamsey this morning at KNUST. Galamsey is an environmental enemy to this nation. What could be more serious for any people than to have their entire water supply at risk?” the Asantehene remarked.

Otumfuo urged the GBA to make time during its five-day conference to set up a panel that would visit communities most affected by illegal mining. He believes such a tour would help the association understand the full scale of the crisis and facilitate discussions on how the law should respond.

“I think as lawyers, you should find space in this five-day conference to set up a panel and take a quick tour of the communities where galamsey is most prevalent. See the extent of the crisis we face, and hopefully, you will deliberate on how the law should respond,” he said.

The Asantehene also questioned why individuals responsible for poisoning water bodies with harmful chemicals, such as mercury, are allowed to go unpunished.

“As I see it, if an individual poisons the water source of a community, they are liable for the consequences under the law. What does the law do when one pours mercury into the same water supply, knowing fully well it can kill?” he asked.

Otumfuo expressed disappointment over the ongoing environmental degradation and called for collective efforts from all sectors of society to address the crisis. He emphasized that it is time for organizations like the GBA, the Ghana Medical Association, and universities, especially the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), to unite and lead a national campaign against illegal mining.

“The Ghana Bar Association, the Ghana Medical Association, and the universities, particularly KNUST, should come together to champion a new path to tackle this emergency,” he urged.

Sharing his personal experience, Otumfuo recounted a recent trip to Cape Coast, during which he stopped at the River Pra. He described the condition of the river as deeply troubling.

“In fact, on my way to Cape Coast, I stopped at the River Pra. I’m afraid I have to tell you that what I saw there was so embarrassing. As a nation, how can we allow this to happen to us? I don’t know, but we have to fight this—no matter what,” he reiterated.

Otumfuo’s remarks reflect growing concerns over the devastation caused by illegal mining and highlight the need for immediate action to protect Ghana’s natural resources.