Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, has questioned why his chiefs have stood by while seeing their lands and water sources ravaged by illegal miners.
He claims that since they have the power to defend their people's lands and water resources, they cannot be exempted.
"It's inciting, it's bad, Nananom we need to also blame ourselves for the current problem because where you stay, you're the Chief and if people are participating in galamsey if you're not making money from it, then why are you not reporting them?
"While it's true that the government has issued documents handing them the property, how have you performed in your capacity as Chief?
"I have given the town to you to take care of it and if they are destroying it with galamsey, are you not seeing it? We are dealing with the government, they bring Soldiers all the time and we don’t see anything," he said.