The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has voiced his distress over the lack of progress in the fight against illegal mining, often referred to as 'galamsey.'
Citing persistent threats to life and political maligning of persons advocating against the menace, the Asantehene said he is saddened at the intensified activities of illegal miners.
He made the comments when a team from the Kumasi Unit of the Multimedia Group paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace, to present laurels won by Erastus Asare Donkor in his consistent reports on illegal mining.
“Galamsey has destroyed all our lands. This is influencing the majority of emerging diseases and deformities in babies from the long exposure to mercury in our water bodies. Yet, complaints do not get any attention.
“I couldn't watch Erastus Asare Donkor’s documentary. I was overwhelmed with sadness. It's painful. We have sold arable cocoa lands for these illegalities. The whole country’s security machinery could not fight this.
“The new trend now is gunmen hunting people who try to access these sites. I have currently arranged for reclamation of these lands yet they have become danger zones and inaccessible. All these chiefs look on and accept their share. Soldiers have quit the fighting following calls from unknown authorities. Who are these people?” he querried.
Latest Stories
-
Being multi-skilled can be a hazard – Otabil tells young leaders
5 minutes -
Tyler Perry did not wake up one morning to that level of support; he served his audience – Leila Djansi
9 minutes -
Chief urges crackdown on underage and reckless motorbike riding in Asutifi North District
13 minutes -
CARE Ghana, Cargill hand over agro-processing equipment to women producer groups in Ashanti, Central regions
19 minutes -
Woman remanded for allegedly stealing GH¢800k mistakenly transferred to her account
40 minutes -
Not everyone is meant to be a founder – Otabil urges youth to embrace purpose in service
59 minutes -
Doris Boaduwaa bags hattrick in comeback win over Malawi
1 hour -
Final hours of Day 3 to secure unbeatable deals at Ecobank-JoyNews Habitat Fair
1 hour -
We are committed to a ‘Green Ghana’ – Prudential Bank MD
2 hours -
Nungua Town XI defeats Ghana Internationals in Kplejoo Pre-Festival Match
3 hours -
Osu Castle hosts diplomatic showcase of wellness as Ghana, India unites for International Day of Yoga
4 hours -
U.S. and Israeli Strikes on Iran: A Racist, Colonialist Assault on Sovereignty
4 hours -
Prof Gyampo clarifies interaction with Special Prosecutor over raid on SMS offices
4 hours -
Prof Gyampo called and texted OSP during raid on SML – OSP claims
5 hours -
Nigeria sprinter Favour Ofili switches allegiance to Turkey
5 hours