Founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has urged the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to take decisive action in stopping illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in the Ashanti Region. Ayariga believes that Otumfuo holds more influence than any other authority in Ghana, including the President, and can effectively halt the destruction caused by illegal mining if he chooses to intervene.
In remarks quoted by Oyerepa Online, Ayariga emphasized the deep respect the people of Ashanti have for their king, explaining that his word holds more weight than political directives. “There is only one person in Ghana who can stop illegal mining, and that person is the Asantehene,” he said. “If the Asantehene says, stop galamsey, everything will stop.”
He further stated that no mining company can operate in the Ashanti Region without the Asantehene’s approval. According to Ayariga, Otumfuo has the power to prevent further destruction of water bodies, farmlands, and cocoa plantations that have been ravaged by galamsey activities.
Ayariga highlighted that the consequences of illegal mining would not only affect the current generation but also future ones. He called on the Asantehene to use his authority to protect the environment for the benefit of his people. “If the Asantehene wants to stop people from mining in Ashanti because they are destroying his water bodies, he should just make one call,” Ayariga urged, adding that Otumfuo’s intervention would be more effective than any government initiative.
Ayariga’s comments underscore the critical role traditional leaders can play in addressing the ongoing issue of illegal mining in Ghana, particularly in regions where their influence remains strong. He believes that with Otumfuo’s leadership, the fight against galamsey in the Ashanti Region can be won.
