Otumfuo warns illegal mining could turn Ghana into a ‘mafia state’

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has cautioned that illegal mining, if not urgently addressed, could turn Ghana into a “mafia state” and destroy the nation’s future.

He said the menace, popularly known as galamsey, is fast becoming a deeply entrenched criminal enterprise that threatens to engulf the entire country if political leaders and citizens fail to act decisively.

“This issue is so dear to everybody’s heart. We have to be very careful because it’s destroying this country,” the Asantehene said. “It’s becoming more and more like a mafia situation where, if we are not very careful, it’s going to engulf all of us. We have to take this issue very, very seriously.”

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that successive governments have treated the problem lightly, often prioritising political gains over national interest. “Because it’s politics, it’s because of votes, nothing else,” he stressed. “I can’t see why we cannot take up this matter seriously unless we are all complicit.”

He urged leaders to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate real commitment to ending illegal mining, warning that continued inaction could have devastating consequences for future generations. “We joke about it, or we think it’s not serious, but it is,” he said.

The Asantehene made the remarks during the annual Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards held in Kumasi over the weekend, an event attended by President John Dramani Mahama.

He praised journalists for their role in exposing environmental destruction caused by illegal mining and called on them to remain fearless and truthful in their reporting.

“I was listening to the president, and I feel that more must be done to stop this,” Otumfuo added, urging collective responsibility to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.

Mafia originally from Italy, is an organized criminal network that operates through secrecy and corruption to control illegal activities such as extortion, smuggling, and trafficking.

Over time, it has come to describe any powerful underground system that uses influence and violence to maintain control and evade law enforcement, often infiltrating politics and legitimate businesses.

Meanwhile, Media General’s Godwin Asediba has been named the Overall Best Journalist of the Year at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, recognising his exceptional contributions to Ghanaian journalism.

Asediba, known for his compelling documentaries and human-centered storytelling, was also adjudged the winner of the Best Documentary (TV) category.

His works have earned praise for their balance of empathy, depth, and journalistic rigor, often exploring social justice and inequality.