Otumfuo urges strict punishment for illegal miners

His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has called on the government to impose strict, heavy penalties on individuals found guilty of illegal mining.

He stressed that stronger punishment is necessary to deter offenders in the ongoing fight against galamsey.

He noted that the devastating effects of illegal small-scale mining are well known, citing the destruction of forest reserves, pollution of water bodies, and long-term environmental degradation as major concerns requiring urgent action.

The Asantehene made the remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf by Nana Oguahyia Oduro Panin Birikorang, New Edubiasehene, at the joint 23rd Ashanti Business and Financial Services Excellence Awards and 16th Ashanti Business Leaders Excellence Awards held in Kumasi on Friday, May 8, 2026, and organised by Top Brass Ghana.

He stressed that the country already has the necessary regulatory framework to address illegal mining but lamented the lack of effective enforcement and political commitment.

According to him, although citizens understand the rules and the dangers associated with galamsey, enforcement has been weak.

He further criticised successive governments for what he described as a lack of courage in dealing decisively with illegal mining activities.

“They have displayed a disappointingly glaring lack of political will and courage to prosecute all illegal mining miscreants, including apparently untouchable associates of governments in power,” he stated.

Otumfuo insisted that the only way to win the fight against galamsey is to ensure that all perpetrators are prosecuted and made to face the full rigours of the law, with severe penalties imposed on those found guilty.

Beyond illegal mining, the Asantehene used the platform to reflect on economic development efforts in the Ashanti Region, recalling the establishment of the Ashanti Business Excellence Awards and Ashanti Financial Services Excellence Awards in 2004 to recognise outstanding enterprises and financial institutions.

He also noted the creation of a separate scheme to honour individual entrepreneurs contributing to regional economic growth.

On environmental concerns, Otumfuo raised alarm over greenhouse gas emissions and urged government and development partners to support industries in adopting renewable energy and improving production efficiency.

He also expressed concern about the degradation of Lake Bosomtwe, Ghana’s only natural lake and a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, warning that parts of its core zone are under threat.

He commended Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene and pledged collaboration with the Environmental Protection Authority and the Bosomtwe District Assembly to restore the damaged areas.

On national development policies, the Asantehene said President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy policy appears promising and should be fully implemented. He also welcomed a Memorandum of Understanding between the 24-Hour Economy Authority and an Indian renewable energy company aimed at improving sustainable power supply along the Volta Economic Corridor.

He further supported calls by the Association of Ghana Industries for policies that promote value addition to raw materials such as cocoa, cashew, coconut, and rubber before export, saying this would improve foreign exchange earnings.

Touching on infrastructure, Otumfuo lamented the collapse of Ghana’s railway system but acknowledged past efforts, including the establishment of the Ministry of Railway Development and the construction of the Tema–Mpakadan line. He urged government to urgently expand the rail network.

He also commended the Bank of Ghana’s directive for rural banks to transition into community banks, encouraging them to improve service delivery to support rural development.

“By being recipients of awards tonight, you rightly count yourselves among the cream of the cream in the business community in Ashanti and elsewhere in Ghana,” he told the awardees.

Chairman of the event, Ing. Prof. Mike Agbeshie Acheampong, said the honourees demonstrated visionary leadership by creating jobs and contributing to the economic development of the Ashanti Region.