Dr. Hassan Ayariga, the leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) in Ghana, has made an impassioned call for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to leverage his significant influence in the fight against illegal mining known as “galamsey,” particularly within the Ashanti Region. This appeal arises amidst escalating worries regarding the detrimental effects of galamsey on the environment, which include severe damage to water bodies, forest reserves, and essential farmlands. Ayariga’s plea highlights the urgent need for authority figures to step up and address what many consider an ecological crisis.
Emphasizing the Asantehene’s respected position in the community, Ayariga noted that the king possesses more sway than Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, when it comes to stopping illegal mining operations. He remarked that the Asante people have a deep-seated respect for their traditional leader due to the Asantehene’s role as a lifelong head of their society. “If Otumfuo says to stop galamsey, everything will stop,” he asserted, indicating that a direct order from the Asantehene could effectively halt illegal mining activities across the region.
Ayariga expressed strong confidence that should the Asantehene call on mining companies to cease their operations, they would promptly comply. He pointed out that no mining company would dare operate in the Ashanti Region without the explicit approval of the Asantehene. “If he wants to protect his water bodies, he should just make one call, and it will be done,” he stated, reinforcing the notion that the traditional authority in the region is paramount in addressing this crisis.
The potential impact of galamsey on future generations is a significant concern for Ayariga. He cautioned that the ongoing environmental destruction necessitates urgent action, stating that the king and his subjects must actively engage in safeguarding their resources. He urged that they recognize the long-term consequences of inaction: “The king and his people must learn to protect their country because their children and grandchildren will suffer from the menace of galamsey.” Ayariga’s words serve as a reminder that environmental stewardship is crucial for sustainable development.
In addition to his appeal to the Asantehene, Ayariga advised Organised Labour—groups representing various workers’ rights—to reconsider their plans for a strike focused on illegal mining issues. He suggested that their efforts would be significantly more potent if they sought the Asantehene’s counsel and support first. “Before Organised Labour strikes, they should go to the Asantehene and plead with him to help stop galamsey,” he concluded, highlighting the importance of collaboration between traditional leadership and civil movements in tackling pressing national issues.
The call for the Asantehene’s intervention in the galamsey crisis encapsulates a broader dialogue about environmental conservation and leadership in Ghana. Ayariga’s emphasis on traditional authority underscores a vital cultural dynamic, where figures like the Asantehene can mobilize action and inspire community engagement in the fight against illegal mining—a pressing issue impacting not just local ecosystems but the very fabric of society in the Ashanti Region. By rallying both the traditional and contemporary structures of power, Ayariga seeks to galvanize a united front to preserve the environment for future generations.
