“To do nothing is no longer an option” – Asantehene on galamsey menace

His Royal Majesty the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged members of key professional bodies in Ghana, including the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), not to relent in their advocacy against illegal mining. He highlighted the devastating effects of this menace on the environment and the living conditions of many Ghanaians.

Addressing the Annual Conference of the Ghana Bar Association at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II rallied stakeholders and professional groups to take collective action against the destruction caused by galamsey.

The Asantehene’s call comes in the wake of recent statements by UTAG, GMA, and GBA, all of which condemned illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” and advocated for a ban on both small-scale and illegal mining activities.

Commending the Ghana Bar Association’s efforts, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stated, “The bold step by the President of the Ghana Bar Association to rally his members into fighting illegal mining should be greatly commended.”

He went on to urge other leaders to similarly encourage their members to join the fight against this harmful practice.

The Asantehene raised concerns about the legal system’s response to those responsible for polluting water bodies.

“Galamsay is an environmental enemy for the nation. What could be more serious for any people than to have the entire water supply system at risk?” he asked.

He further urged lawyers to use their platform to address the issue, suggesting, “I think as lawyers, you should find space during this conference to set up a panel to undertake a quick tour of the communities where this call is most prevalent, to see the extent of the crisis we face and hopefully deliberate on how the laws should respond.”

He emphasised the urgent need for a collective effort from all societal sectors, including the Bar Association, medical association, and university, to address this “emergency.”