Kumasi, Ghana – The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on professional bodies, including the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Ghana Medical Association (GMA), and University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), to join forces in opposing illegal mining activities that are devastating the country’s water bodies and environment.
Speaking at a recent event, the Asantehene commended the President of the GBA for his bold stance against illegal mining and urged leaders of other influential groups to take similar action. He emphasized that illegal mining is a major environmental threat and questioned the legal system’s response to individuals who pollute water bodies.
The Asantehene shared a personal experience of witnessing the severe pollution of the River Pra during a visit to Cape Coast, describing the situation as “embarrassing.” He emphasized the need for collective action to address the crisis, stating, “To do nothing is no longer an option.”
He proposed that the GBA, GMA, and UTAG collaborate to form a panel to investigate the extent of the crisis and deliberate on how the laws should respond. The Asantehene’s call to action comes after recent statements from UTAG, GMA, and GBA condemning illegal mining and advocating for a ban on both small-scale and illegal mining practices.
The Asantehene’s intervention is seen as a significant boost to the campaign against illegal mining, and his leadership is expected to galvanize other stakeholders to join the fight against this environmental menace.
CNR/ Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO