The occupant of the Golden Stool, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has, for the first time, commented on the invasion of Anglogold Ashanti’s concession by illegal miners emphasising that change of government does not mean lawlessness.
To Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Ghana is not a banana republic where invasions into private and public institutions should be encouraged to fester.
“We are not living in a banana republic, because if I am living in my house and this place has been given to me, someone cannot just walk in to say I want somewhere to live, therefore, I am coming to live in your house.”
He condemned the characters hiding behind the change of government to cause trouble in Ghana.
“The change of government shouldn’t give people the opportunity to say there is a change of government so we are going to misbehave or take the law into our own hands,” he said, adding “That should also not be accepted – we are living in a society where the law works, so I don’t think this government will encourage that to happen.”
Asantehene made these statements when management of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi, to brief him about the latest development at Obuasi.
Expressing confidence in the John Mahama administration to handle the situation, especially the issue about illegal mining, Otumfuo said he does not think the government supports what is going on.
“From what they have done so far, I know they are not encouraging this to happen. We all have to make sure that things are done appropriately and properly”
The Ashanti monarch also noted that Asanko Gold, which operates in the Amansie South district of the Ashanti region was battling similar challenges at Manso Tontokrom, even though the concession was given to the mining company by the government.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II called for a holistic discussion on the developments in the mining sector by all stakeholders, with the view to finding a permanent solution.
Asantehene also told the AGA delegation that the formation of the new government was still ongoing and that the sector minister of Lands and Natural Resources has not even assumed office, assuring that when the office is ready, the Obuasi mine invasion issue and galamsey would be thoroughly discussed.
Assuring AGA of enhanced security, Asantehene indicated he had been getting briefings from the army and that he was aware of the situation in Obuasi.
