The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has raised concerns over the ongoing invasion of his mining concession by illegal miners, highlighting the severe environmental and economic damage caused by the practice.
Speaking during a meeting with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his dismay that, despite government efforts to curb illegal mining, the problem persists.
He called for urgent and comprehensive measures to tackle the issue, which he described as a growing threat to both the environment and the economy.
The Asantehene revealed that illegal miners had taken over his concession at Akropong without his prior knowledge. He had intended to lease the site for legitimate mining operations but now faces unexpected challenges.
“The site that was given to me has been invaded by illegal miners,” he said. “I had plans of giving it out for proper mining. We must find a way to solve this crisis.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II called for a multi-faceted approach to address illegal mining, including the deployment of security forces to protect mining concessions, the regularisation of small-scale mining activities, and the provision of alternative livelihoods for those involved in illegal mining.
He also emphasized the importance of creating job opportunities for individuals engaged in illegal mining, suggesting that without viable alternatives, they will continue to return to illegal mining sites.
“These children who are engaged in galamsey need jobs,” the Asantehene said. “We need to assist them so they don’t go back to the sites.”
In response, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, assured that innovative reforms were being introduced to combat illegal mining.
He noted that the government had set up a national 18-member committee and was re-categorising mining sectors as part of a broader strategy to address the issue.
“We have laid out a plan to deal with these issues,” the minister stated. “This is to help fight illegal mining.”
