Let’s support Otumfuo in galamsey fight – Environmental NGO

Friends of Rivers and Water Bodies, an environmental non-profit organization is rallying support for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in his efforts to stem illegal mining (galamsey) in the Ashanti Region.

Commending the Asantehene for his bold initiative, the organization said the King’s determination to fight galamsey and promote responsible mining in his Kingdom is something worth supporting.

Speaking in an interview with The Thunder in Accra on Thursday May 25, 2023, the President of the organization, Nana Dwomoh Sarpong said if the people joined hands with the King in his efforts, the nation would be the eventual winner.

“Otumfuo has seen that our politicians and other public officials are not serious about tackling illegal mining, so if he doesn’t come in, things will be completely destroyed.

“Now, he has asked his chiefs in the various communities where galamsey is taking place to answer for their shortfalls which is good news,” Nana Sarpong said.

Obuasi orange business
He said Friends of Rivers and Water Bodies is concerned about the way illegal mining activities and especially mercury waste from artisanal and small-scale gold mining have virtually collapsed the orange business in Obuasi.
According to him, research works by experts and the general belief of residents pointed to the fact that the one-time popular “Obuasi ankaa woɔ” ( sweet orange from Obuasi) has virtually died due to illegal mining and related practices.

Orange had been the commonest fruit found in the Obuasi municipality.

But, research works on the soil and crops in the area have revealed contamination of cyanide and mercury. “ The land has been contaminated, which has negative impacts on farming. Besides, many people do not want to buy the oranges because of the fear of contamination,” he explained.

Nana Sarpong, therefore, called for necessary measures to save the orange industry in Obuasi since it played a big role in the economy of the municipality.

He added that mercury is causing preventable deaths and ailments in many illegal mining communities. “We are destroying ourselves with these chemicals and this should not be allowed to continue,” he said.

Role of chiefs
Stressing the role of chiefs in the fight against galamsey, Nana Sarpong said as owners of the land, they would be doing great injustice to their people if they failed to act.