Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
THE ASANTEHENE, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has pledged his unflinching support for President Akufo-Addo in the fight against illegal mining, also known as ‘galamsey’, in the country.
He said the President has displayed his determination and readiness to get rid of the illegal mining menace, which poses a big threat to the environment, so he should be supported by all and sundry.
According to the Asantehene, the fight against illegal mining in the country is a complex issue, which requires the efforts and support of every patriotic Ghanaian.
“The President has shown his readiness and desire to fight illegal mining but he cannot do it alone as galamsey is a complex issue, therefore we should all give the government our solid support,” he said.
Otumfuo was speaking during the second edition of the Regional Consultative Dialogue on Small Scale Mining, which was themed ‘Sustainable Small Scale Mining for National Development’.
The programme, held at the Great Hall of the KNUST in Kumasi, was graced by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) from Ashanti, Ahafo, Bono and Bono East regions.
Cautions Chiefs
The Asantehene cautioned that he would apply the appropriate traditional sanctions against any chief in Asanteman that would be found culpable for supporting or indulging in illegal mining.
According to him, “Galamsey is unacceptable and unsustainable as it destroys the environment and poses threat to the survival of mankind, therefore Asanteman doesn’t support galamsey.
“I will not hesitate to sanction any traditional leader under my jurisdiction that would be found for indulging in illegal mining to destroy the environment,” he pointed out, adding that the environment should be protected.
The Asante King said he is not against small scale mining, but he was quick to state that small scale mining should be done in a professional and responsible manner that would not pose any threat to the environment.
Praises Minister
The Asantehene also expressed satisfaction with the overall positive performance of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, whom he described as his own son.
He said the minister has proven that he has the wherewithal and the determination to end the illegal mining menace, so the citizenry should put all considerations aside and support him.
“I will laud Abu Jinapor, my own son, for his passion and zeal to end illegal mining and save the environment, it is a good course so support him to succeed,” the Asantehene openly declared his support.
Otumfuo, however, warned that “I know he (Jinapor) will face opposition even from his own political party, but support him to save the environment for all of us and future generations.”
Lands Minister
Samuel Abu Jinapor, in his remarks, described the fight against illegal mining as the “survival of Ghana”, and assured that he would do away with partisan politics and win the battle for the state.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, top government appointees, traditional leaders and stakeholders in the mining industry, were all present at the important function.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi