Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has questioned why the security services haven't been able to stop illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana.

He claims that despite several initiatives and promises made by the government to eradicate the problem, galamsey is on the rise.

On Friday, September 30, 2022, the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, paid him a courtesy visit at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

"However, who is in charge of the neighborhood's security? up to the highest level, starting at the district level.

Everyone here is discussing galamsey. Why have we been unable to stop it if the government set up the military and police to do it?

If you create a system that you say you will stop it to the extent that the president says “I will put my presidency on the line, and yet it is going on. Then to me, something is wrong somewhere. So we need to know why this is happening, polluting our waters”, he said.

Otumfuo also questioned the District and Municipal Security Councils over their failure to fight the menace.

“At the district level, we have the political administration, District Chief Executive, and the Security Council. Are they all saying that they are unaware of the activities of these galamseyers? If they are unable to detect and stop the operation of these galamseyers then they are unworthy to be there, it is as simple as that.”