The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has lauded Ghana Bar Association (GBA) President Yaw Acheampong Boafo for taking a strong stand against illegal mining (galamsey).
His remarks were made during the GBA’s annual conference in Kumasi.
During a dinner at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo shared his deep concern over the pollution of the River Pra, which he had witnessed firsthand.
Describing the situation as “embarrassing,” he called for immediate and decisive action to address the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.
“I want to congratulate your president on his courageous statement on galamsey this morning at KNUST. Galamsey is an environmental enemy to this nation. What could be more serious for any people than to have their entire water supply at risk?” the Asantehene remarked.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II encouraged the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to dedicate part of its five-day conference to establishing a panel that would visit communities heavily impacted by illegal mining.
He believes that such a tour would offer the association a comprehensive view of the crisis and foster discussions on appropriate legal responses.
“I think as lawyers, you should find space in this five-day conference to set up a panel and take a quick tour of the communities where galamsey is most prevalent. See the extent of the crisis we face, and hopefully, you will deliberate on how the law should respond,” he said.
The Asantehene also raised concerns about the lack of accountability for those who poison water bodies with toxic chemicals like mercury, questioning why such individuals are not facing any punishment.
“As I see it, if an individual poisons the water source of a community, they are liable for the consequences under the law. What does the law do when one pours mercury into the same water supply, knowing fully well it can kill?” he asked.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II voiced his disappointment over the persistent environmental degradation and urged a united response from all societal sectors to tackle the crisis.
He stressed the need for organizations such as the GBA, the Ghana Medical Association, and universities, particularly Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), to come together and spearhead a national campaign against illegal mining.
“The Ghana Bar Association, the Ghana Medical Association, and the universities, particularly KNUST, should come together to champion a new path to tackle this emergency,” he urged.
Sharing his personal experience, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II recounted a recent visit to Cape Coast, where he made a stop at the River Pra.
He described the river’s condition as deeply alarming.
“In fact, on my way to Cape Coast, I stopped at the River Pra. I’m afraid I have to tell you that what I saw there was so embarrassing. As a nation, how can we allow this to happen to us? I don’t know, but we have to fight this—no matter what,” he reiterated.