Manhyia Palace to receive petition over alleged illegal mining near lake Bosomtwe

The Manhyia Palace is expected to receive a petition from the Asante Youth Association (AYA) over alleged illegal mining activities around Lake Bosomtwe.

The association says the move is aimed at drawing attention to growing concerns over the environmental threat facing one of Ghana’s most important natural and cultural heritage sites.

The planned petition follows the circulation of photographs and reports on social media, shared by activists and civil society organisations in Kumasi, alleging that illegal mining is taking place within the vicinity of the lake.

Speaking in an interview on Fox FM, Vice President of the Asante Youth Association, Joseph Oppong Boadi, said the association would formally seek the intervention of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to help protect the lake from further degradation.

He said the association wants the Manhyia Palace to engage traditional authorities within the affected communities, particularly local chiefs, over the reported mining activities and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

According to Mr. Boadi, the association will also demand an immediate halt to all mining activities around the lake to prevent irreversible damage to the ecosystem.

“Lake Bosomtwe lies on flat ground and is surrounded by water. These miners will pollute the water with harmful chemicals, and we all risk losing the lake. We, the Asante Youth Association, will never sit unconcerned and allow this to happen. We will soon petition Manhyia so that the Palace can invite some chiefs to answer questions regarding these activities,” he stated.

He warned that chemicals used in illegal mining could contaminate the lake, threaten aquatic life, destroy biodiversity and undermine tourism, which remains a major source of livelihood for many communities around the lake.

Mr. Boadi stressed that protecting Lake Bosomtwe is a responsibility that requires the collective efforts of traditional leaders, government institutions, environmental regulators and local residents.

The association is therefore calling on the government, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Minerals Commission and other relevant agencies to act swiftly to investigate the allegations and stop any illegal mining activities before they cause lasting environmental damage.

Located about 30 kilometres southeast of Kumasi, Lake Bosomtwe is Ghana’s only natural lake formed by a meteorite impact. The lake is internationally recognised for its ecological, scientific and cultural significance and remains one of the country’s leading tourist attractions.

The Asante Youth Association says preserving the lake is critical not only to safeguarding the environment but also to protecting an important symbol of Asante heritage for future generations.