Why Togbe Afede XIV is calling galamsey a ‘crime against humanity’

Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has described illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as a crime against humanity, blaming its persistence on corruption.

Speaking at a durbar to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Togbe Afede XIV said corruption remains Ghana's biggest development challenge and is the main reason illegal mining continues to thrive.

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"We have seen the destructive effects of galamsey, and I've always viewed galamsey as a product of the most formidable development challenge that we have, which is corruption. If there wasn't corruption, there wouldn't be galamsey," he said.

According to him, corruption has created several national problems, with illegal mining being one of the most damaging.

"Corruption is our most fundamental challenge and has also spawned various other challenges, including galamsey. I would place galamsey in that same category, crime against humanity," he stated.

Togbe Afede XIV expressed concern over the destruction of the country's environment and water bodies, saying the impact on affected communities is worrying.

"Sometimes I sit back and wonder how we can allow our environment and waterbodies to be destroyed, and I feel so much for our citizens, compatriots who live in areas that have become victims of this destruction of our environment. What's the future of water supply to these environments?" he asked.

He called on the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, to play a leading role in tackling corruption and illegal mining.

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"I think our judiciary, our Supreme Court can help us. We can defeat corruption. We can defeat galamsey. The key to doing both is with the judiciary, and I would ask that as one of our commitments going forward, we should all work hard to rid our society, our communities of the evil effects of galamsey," he added.

MAG/MA

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