Go after Galamsey kingpins, not just miners -Asantehene to gov’t

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the government to shift its crackdown on illegal mining (galamsey) from small-scale miners to the powerful financiers behind the trade.

During a visit by Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Otumfuo stressed that prosecuting only the youth is ineffective, calling for action against the "big fishes" fueling the crisis.

Mr. Buah acknowledged the devastation caused by galamsey, revealing that 44 out of 288 forest reserves have been severely degraded. He outlined reforms, including an 18-member committee to regulate mining operations.

Otumfuo also advised providing alternative livelihoods for youth and stopping political land grabs.

He commended the government’s afforestation efforts and pledged support for the Tree of Life project.