Otumfuo Osei Tutu II speaking at the GJA Awards and dinner night
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has delivered a powerful and unreserved condemnation of illegal mining (galamsey), accusing political leaders of inaction driven by electoral considerations and challenging traditional leaders to step up.
He said this at the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards and dinner night in Kumasi, specifically held at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall in Manhyia on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Speaking at the event, where he was honored, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II revealed the devastating impact of galamsey, particularly in his traditional areas, citing Amansie and other communities where lands and vital water bodies are being destroyed.
“It’s politics, it’s because of votes, nothing else,” the Asantehene declared, criticizing the lack of serious, decisive action against the menace.
He directly challenged chiefs in affected areas who claim helplessness against heavily armed galamsey operators.
Otumfuo firmly stated that the issue is not a lack of employment opportunities, as we can get alternative employment for them, but rather a profound failure of “decisive decision.
He drew a sharp contrast between current practices and the historical mining methods of his ancestors.
“My forefathers mined gold years ago, 400 years ago. They were not galamsey mining. We still have them. We never destroyed any water or anything. We never destroyed our forests,” he recounted.
The Asantehene questioned why despite this modern era of technology, education and everything, why are we doing this to ourselves? And governments are not able to make decisions to curb the canker.
“Because people say, if you do that, they won’t vote for you. Don’t let them vote for you, but take a decision and then let’s vote so the environment we save, the people we save, and our health.”
Otumfuo further acknowledged listening to the President’s assurances to protect journalists and uphold press freedom, stating, “Galamsey, for example, is an issue that is so dear to everybody’s heart. We have to be very careful because it’s destroying this country.”
He pledged to follow up on the government’s commitment to tackle the issue.
He elaborated the achievements of journalists and acknowledged the GJA President and his executives for the awards ceremony, adding that the historic event had been very remarkable.
The Asantehene concluded by emphasizing that addressing the catastrophic effects of galamsey with immediate, unwavering leadership is of paramount importance.