The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned about the growing threat of illegal mining, warning that if the situation is not addressed, it could “engulf the entire nation” and destroy the country’s future.
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards Dinner held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday, November 8, 2025, he described the galamsey menace as a “mafia-like” operation that has spread dangerously, undermining the country’s environment, governance, and moral values.
“We are becoming more and more like a mafia situation, where if we are not very careful, it’s going to engulf all of us,” Otumfuo cautioned. “We have to take this issue very, very seriously. We joke about it or think it’s not serious, but it is.”
He questioned why successive governments and political leaders have failed to take decisive action against illegal mining, suggesting that political calculations and the pursuit of votes have prevented the needed bold steps.
“I have asked myself if it is because of politics—because of votes—that we cannot take firm decisions on these people,” he stated. “Unless we are all complicit, there is no reason why this matter cannot be dealt with seriously.”
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The Asante King appealed to chiefs, local authorities, and the media to play active roles in exposing and resisting illegal mining activities in their jurisdictions.
The Asantehene hinted that the problem continues to affect parts of his own traditional area and has directed his chiefs to take firm action to protect their lands from destruction.
He praised the journalists who have risked their safety to report on environmental degradation and corruption, observing that their work was crucial in promoting transparency and accountability.
He also commended President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed commitment to press freedom and media protection, as highlighted in the President’s address earlier in the evening. “You have the assurance that you will be protected,” the Asantehene stated, appealing to the media to continue upholding professionalism and integrity.
He was grateful to the GJA national and Ashanti regional executives for hosting this year’s awards in Kumasi, describing it as a great honor to the Ashanti Kingdom.
He mentioned that although the event coincided with traditional observances such as Dapaa and Akwasidae, he decided to personally attend because of his deep respect for the Association.
“The date chosen was traditionally wrong for me because today is Dapaa and tomorrow is Akwasidae,” he explained. “But because of how I hold the GJA in high esteem and close to my heart, I decided to attend.”
Congratulating the award winners, he stated that the diversity and professionalism displayed by award recipients, especially female journalists, was proof that the Association had a bright future.
