Accra: Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has described illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, as a crime against humanity, attributing its persistence to corruption. Speaking at a durbar marking the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court, Togbe Afede XIV emphasized that corruption is Ghana's biggest development challenge and a primary factor behind the ongoing illegal mining activities.
According to Ghana Web, Togbe Afede XIV highlighted the destructive impact of galamsey, linking it directly to the country's pervasive corruption. He argued that if corruption were eradicated, illegal mining would not exist. He stressed that corruption is a fundamental issue, spawning various other national challenges, with galamsey being one of the most destructive.
Togbe Afede XIV expressed grave concerns about the environmental degradation and the adverse effects on water bodies caused by illegal mining. He questioned how the destruction of natural resources could be permitted and empathized with the citizens living in affected areas, pondering the future of water supply in these communities.
He urged the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, to take a proactive role in combating corruption and illegal mining. He believes the judiciary holds the key to defeating both issues and called for a collective commitment to eliminate the detrimental effects of galamsey from society.