Unemployment Is No Excuse for Destructive Mining– Otumfuo to Obuasi Youth
The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the youth of Obuasi to halt illegal mining activities known as galamsey.
His Majesty, in a passionate address, reasoned with the young men and women about how the act endangers the nation’s vital water bodies and natural resources.
This was during an inspection of land and river reclamation sites at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
While acknowledging the pressing issue of joblessness, the Asantehene firmly rejected the notion that hardship justifies environmental destruction.
“I understand young people don’t have work, but that can’t be an excuse for the destruction of our water bodies,” Otumfuo stated. “If we destroy our water, what will become of us? We might die and leave the country behind if this persists.”
The Asantehene noted that the severity of the crisis prompted him to inspect the degraded sites himself.
“I decided to come for a firsthand view, and the Ministers decided to accompany me,” His Majesty said, highlighting the urgency of the situation as pollution from mercury and heavy metals threatens primary water sources across the region.
Recognising that lasting solutions require economic alternatives, His Majesty offered reassurance to the youth as he pledged to actively engage both the central government and Nananom to develop structured, sustainable job initiatives that provide livelihoods without compromising the environment.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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