Asantehene: Unemployment must not justify destruction of lands and water bodies
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed concern over the destruction of lands and water bodies through illegal mining, stressing that unemployment among the youth should not be an excuse for environmental degradation.
He acknowledged the employment challenges facing young people but urged them to adopt responsible mining practices to protect the environment.
“The fact that the youth do not have jobs should not lead to the destruction of our lands and water bodies,” he said, emphasising the need to safeguard natural resources for present and future generations.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made the remarks on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during a visit to the Jimi River at AngloGold Ashanti Reclamation as part of the Jimi Land Reclamation and River Watercourse Rehabilitation Project.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, and the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon Mahama Ayariga.
He planted trees and inspected Lot 1 of the project, marking a significant step towards restoring lands severely degraded by unregulated small-scale mining.
The Asantehene underscored the importance of protecting water bodies, stating, “Water is life, and it is essential for human survival.”
The Asantehene called on the government and traditional authorities to collaborate in creating alternative employment opportunities for young people engaged in illegal mining.
He said efforts must be made to address the economic challenges driving some youth into the activity while ensuring that the country’s natural resources are protected from further destruction.
He also advised young people to abandon illegal mining and embrace responsible practices, warning that the activity not only damages the environment but can also result in loss of life.
He stressed the need for a balanced approach that provides employment opportunities for the youth while protecting lands and water bodies for the benefit of future generations.
The reclamation effort stems from Otumfuo’s advocacy against illegal mining during the Mining in Motion forum, which led to the creation of the Ashanti Green Initiative.
Operating as the initiative’s flagship pilot project, the Jimi reclamation brings together key institutional partners, including the Manhyia Palace, providing overall strategic vision and royal patronage; Ashanti Green Initiative, serving as project lead on behalf of the Asantehene and drives community engagement; and AngloGold Ashanti, delivering technical and operational support.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
