The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a rallying cry to the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), and other professional bodies to strengthen their opposition to illegal mining, which continues to devastate Ghana’s water bodies and environment.

Speaking at a recent event, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II praised the GBA President, Yaw Acheampong Boafo, for his firm stance against illegal mining, known locally as "galamsey," and urged other influential organisations to match this commitment.

His call comes in the wake of recent statements from UTAG, GMA, and GBA, all advocating for a ban on illegal and small-scale mining.

“Galamsey is an environmental enemy for the nation. What could be more serious for any people than to have the entire water supply system at risk? I think as lawyers, you should find space during this conference to set up a panel to undertake a quick tour of the communities where this call is most prevalent to see the extent of the crisis we face and hopefully deliberate on how the laws should respond,” the Asantehene said.

He also criticised the current legal system’s response to those polluting water bodies with harmful substances.

“If an individual poisoned the water supply of a community, he would be liable for severe consequences under the law. What does the law do when one pours mercury into the same water supply knowing fully well it can kill?” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II questioned.

The Asantehene emphasised a unified effort was necessary to tackling the illegal mining crisis.

He stated: “This issue now requires the collective effort of all sections of society. To do nothing is no longer an option. The Bar association, the medical association, and the university should get together to deal with this emergency.”

The Asantehene also shared a personal experience from his visit to Cape Coast, where he witnessed the severe pollution of the River Pra.

Describing the situation as “embarrassing,” he urged for immediate action, saying, “while I was going to Cape Coast, I stopped over the River Pra and what I saw was so embarrassing. If as a nation we allow this to happen to us, we have to fight this no matter what.”