The Paramount Chief of Mampong in Ashanti, Daasebere Osei Bonsu II, has called upon all paramount chiefs in the Ashanti region to unite in the fight against illegal mining, known as 'galamsey'.

He praised some chiefs for their courage in challenging government-established commissions, particularly the Minerals Commission, regarding illicit mining activities in the country.

Addressing the 32nd Christ of Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, Daasebere Osei Bonsu proudly declared that he had expelled illegal miners from his domain.

“Far from sounding boastful, I kicked them [illegal miners] out of my kingdom, that you can't come to Mampong to come and dig any hole that you want gold. I set the pace and now others at least within the Asante kingdom here, the paramountcies have been bold and assertive in challenging the Minerals Commission.”

Daasebere Osei Bonsu urged all paramount chiefs in the Ashanti region to follow his example and eliminate galamsey from their territories.

He also expressed concern about the environmental impact of galamsey, particularly on water sources, and encouraged efforts to curb this destructive practice.

“So please come out, if not a permanent recommendation, some kind of semblance of recommendation to curb this cancerous galamsey taking place in Ghana. Good source of drinking water all polluted and gone but I'm happy - come to my kingdom, Mampong at the hills over there, all the seven sources of rivers on the left-hand side and on the right-hand side behind where we have Saint Monica, that is five over there."

In his commitment to protect his kingdom, Daasebere Osei Bonsu mentioned that he had rejected bribes from individuals, including Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining.

He stressed the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations, highlighting the need for responsible stewardship.

“In my case, knocking fee alone we don't talk about it over here. I would have put up about six story building and then what for? My people's ancestors have left them for us. They look after me and I look after them. Then I spoil their water. No,” he said.

The Mampong paramount chief noted that he had prioritised the well-being of his people and their environment over financial gains, ensuring that the rivers of Mampong remained unpolluted.