Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the occupant of the golden stool has vehemently stressed that, the illegal mining popularly known as galamsey is unsustainable, unacceptable and that it must be stopped.
He said that, he himself and Asanteman oppose anything that destroys the environment and the echo-system.
In his speech at KNUST during the Regional Consultative Dialogue on Small Scale Mining monitored by broadcastergh.com, Otumfuo commended the lands and natural resources Minister, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor for his eagerness and interest in pursuit to fight against the illegal mining.
He affirmed that, the sector Minister has shown passion and commitment to sanitize the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry so he must be given the maximum support against the fight.
According to the Asantehene, mining is older than Ghana and has existed for centuries saying it is one of the main pillars of ancient economy and kingdom.
He said that, gold continues to be a major heritage for Asanteman.
He emphasized that, small scale mining is legal under the regulatory frame work of Ghana and has grown up to the point of it contributing about 40% of gold production.
He noted that, the small scale mining serves as a source of employment to the youth in the mining community.
“With a nation blessed with minerals, it’s not surprising mining has always played important role on the lives of the people where minerals have been the attraction for many adventurous and fortune seekers for centuries.”
