Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has described the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as one of the most pressing and difficult challenges facing Ghana today.

Speaking at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, May 5, 2025, during a meeting with officials of Eagle Mining Company Limited, the Asantehene expressed deep concern over the environmental destruction caused by the activity, particularly its impact on fertile lands and river bodies.

“This is a challenging time for us, where galamsey is destroying most of our arable lands. Our river bodies are also being destroyed. It has been very challenging for us,” the Asantehene lamented.

He called for urgent action to reclaim degraded lands and restore them for agricultural use, stressing the long-term consequences of inaction.

“What we want is to reclaim those lands and put them back into arable lands,” he added.

Otumfuo’s comments come at a time of heightened national discourse on illegal mining, following recent government moves to repeal L.I. 2462 and renewed calls for stronger environmental protection.