- The Asantehene urged professional bodies to continue advocating against illegal mining activities
- He questioned the legal system's response to individuals who pollute water bodies through galamsey
- The Asantehene stressed the importance of a united effort
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a powerful call for action against illegal mining, urging professional organizations like the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) to intensify their efforts to combat the environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
Following recent criticisms from UTAG, GMA, and GBA regarding the harmful impacts of illegal mining, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II praised the GBA President for his courageous opposition and called on other influential groups to join forces.
The Asantehene emphasized the grave environmental risks posed by illegal mining and questioned the effectiveness of current legal measures against water pollution. He stressed that the issue demands urgent collective action, declaring that inaction is no longer acceptable.
He proposed that the Bar Association, alongside medical and academic institutions, should set up a panel to investigate the affected communities and explore legal reforms.
Sharing a personal observation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II recounted his recent visit to Cape Coast, where he witnessed the severe contamination of the River Pra. He described the experience as deeply troubling and underscored the need for immediate and decisive action to address the crisis.
