Saint Sark Urges Asantehene to Clamp Down on Sub-Chiefs Over Illegal Mining
The General Overseer of Open Arms Ministries, Apostle Kofi Nkansah Sarkodie, also known as Saint Sark, has called on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to take decisive action against sub-chiefs who continue to defy his directives against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, April 8, the Kumasi-based clergyman expressed concern over the increasing destruction of the environment, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to future generations.
According to him, some traditional leaders have either directly or indirectly enabled illegal mining activities, a development he said undermines efforts to protect the environment and preserve the dignity of the Ashanti Kingdom.
He urged the Asantehene to sanction any chief found culpable, stressing that strong action would serve as a deterrent and help curb the growing menace.
Saint Sark also called on government and security agencies to intensify their crackdown on illegal miners, insisting that enforcement of the law must be swift and uncompromising.
Recent data from the Forestry Commission of Ghana shows that the Ashanti Region remains one of the most affected areas in the country due to illegal mining activities.
As of late 2024, over 4,900 hectares of forest reserves in the region had been degraded by galamsey. In 2025, about 70 percent of mining sites identified across major regions, including Ashanti, were found to be illegal.
Forest reserves such as Apamprama, Offin Shelterbelt and Oda have suffered significant damage, while farmlands in areas like the Manso enclave have been destroyed.
Water bodies, including the Offin River, have also been heavily polluted, raising concerns about access to safe drinking water and the long-term impact on livelihoods.
Saint Sark warned that without urgent and coordinated action, the effects of illegal mining could become irreversible, depriving future generations of vital natural resources.
