The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reemphasised the need to put a stop to the incessant illegal mining otherwise referred to as ‘galamsey’ that is bedeviling the nation’s environment.
He says the rate at which water resources and forest reserves are being destroyed by the activities of these ‘galamseyers’ at the expense of the entire nation requires urgent measures to deal with it.
Otumfuo says lands that have been destroyed by galamsey must be reclaimed to make them arable again.
Speaking at the grand durbar of the ‘Akwasidaekɛseɛ’ for the commemoration of his 25th Anniversary on the golden stool at the Manhyia Palace Sunday, May 12, 2024, the Asantehene indicated that tackling the issue of galamsey has become the topmost priority the nation needs to look at.
Otumfuo, who sounded livid at this juncture reiterated the fact that leadership cannot sit aloof for Ghana’s environment to be damaged for the interest of some few greedy individuals.
“Education remains our priority and probably, an even higher priority must be the reclamation of our environment from the ravages of galamsey. We cannot be the generation that destroyed the most precious heritage bequeath to us by our forefathers to satisfy the greed of a few miscreants. For whatever it takes, we must defeat this scourge,” the Asantehene stated.
‘I am blaming most of you for allowing galamsey to prevail’ – Otumfuo tells Asante chiefs
Akwasidaekɛseɛ
The Akwasidaekɛseɛ was marked with a rich display of culture in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi, to mark the Asantehene’s 25th anniversary on the golden stool.
Major roads and principal streets within the metropolis were blocked to traffic as local and foreign dignitaries attended the occasion at the Manhyia Palace with heavy security.
There were drumming and dancing amidst firing of muskets as sub-chiefs in the Asante Kingdom arrived with their subjects to the event grounds.
The King, in all his royalty and elegance, rode in a palanquin from the Palace to ‘Dwabrem’ amidst the firing of muskets. The Golden Stool was on display at the durbar ground for the public to take a view.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and other dignitaries also graced the occasion, as well as President Akufo-Addo and other members of government.
Over 40 foreign dignitaries, including ambassadors and high commissions, Prime Ministers, members from foreign missions among others, also attended the event for the commemoration which marked the highest point of the Asantehene, the ruler of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended the Golden Stool as the 16th Asantehene on April 26, 1999, after his elder brother, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, and has since ruled the kingdom past all five Presidents under the Fourth Republican constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
