Decisive action needed to defeat galamsey – Asantehene declares at silver jubilee grand durbar

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called for a decisive action in the fight against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.

Expressing concern about the continuous destruction caused by galamsey, he said nothing should be left to chance to uproot the canker once and for all.

Speaking at the Adaekese grand durbar at Dwabrem of the Manhyia Palace on Sunday, May 12, to mark the 25th anniversary of his reign, he pointed out that the present generation have no basis to be the ones to destroy the legacy left by their ancestors.

Rich culture
It was culture at its best as Asantes , supported by other chiefs and people from parts of the country and the continent, made the occasion rich.

As advertised, it was a sight to behold when the revered Golden Stool came out in public. The traditional authority of the Tuareg of Niger brought two camels to the Asantehene. They are a symbol of peace, dignity and development.

Restoration
Otumfuo said an immediate priority is to restore the environment devastated by illegal mining. “Our top priority must be the reclamation of our environment from the ravages of galamsey. We cannot be the generation that destroys the most gracious heritage bequeathed to us by our forefathers to satisfy the greed of a few miscreants. For whatever it takes we must defeat this scourge,” he declared.

Elections
As the general elections approach, the Asantehene entreated Ghanaians to work towards a peaceful polls.

Pillar of Peace
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo praised the Asantehene for promoting peace, reconciliation, and national unity. “For a quarter of a century, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has served as the symbol of unity, progress and tradition for the Asante kingdom and indeed for the entire nation of Ghana,” he said.

Relations
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, who was the guest of honour, said the invitation by the Asantehene to him to attend the Silver Jubilee was yet another manifestation of the bond between the peoples of Ghana, and Trinidad and Tobago. “Your leadership has resulted in further solidifying the friendship between the two countries,” he told the King.