NCCE commends Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for de-stooling chiefs engaged in galamsey

The chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy, has extolled the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for the role he's playing in curbing the galamsey menace facing the country.

Her applause to the Asantehene follows Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's decision to destool three chiefs who were allegedly accused of engaging in illegal mining.

The NCCE chairperson, speaking at a press conference on galamsey held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, doffed her hat to the Asantehene’s actions and also beseeched some security agencies to follow in Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s footsteps.

“We also commend the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for taking actions that resulted in the destoolment of chiefs involved in galamsey. The NCCE calls on security services and police, the army, and law enforcement agencies to take a cue from Asantehene,” she said.

Kathleen Addy also commended some chiefs and youth of Akyem Asuom in the Eastern Region who were reported to have also chased away some individuals who were caught engaging in illegal mining.

“The NCCE wants to commend the actions of the chiefs and youth of Akyem Asuom in the Eastern Region for chasing out people engaged in galamsey from their community. We urge other communities to do the same.

"Every Ghanaian has a role to play in protecting our environment, and the law must also deal swiftly and severely with those who woefully destroy national heritage for selfish gains,” she said.

The practice of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, in various regions in Ghana is on the rise. The press conference by the organisation adds to the calls on the government to find ways to end the practice before it takes a different turn in the country.