His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, The Asantehene has charged the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government to double their efforts at dredging water bodies affected by the activities of illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.

The Asantehene made this plea when the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday 19th, 2021. The minister was accompanied by the Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited(GWCL) Ing. Dr. Clifford Braimah, the Deputy Minister, Alhaji Amidu Chinnia, as well as the Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Water Company Limited Mr. Stanley Martey among other executives. 

Otumfuo Osei Tutu in his address said that; "I have decided to meet the chiefs in the Ashanti region to deliberate on the issues concerning water and galamsey activities. Nananom will do our part to ensure the right thing is done. We are therefore appealing to the government to also do its part. I know some activities by some galamsey operators have affected some water bodies." 

According to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, this is the right time for Nananom to correct their mistakes. 

"The government must also show seriousness in dealing with those in government who are actively engaged in this illegal mining so that we can all come together and fight the galamsey. If we pollute the water bodies what will happen to the unborn generations?" 

He further condemned the actions of some chiefs within the catchment areas who have allowed the pollution of these water bodies 

"I believe that the Minister in charge of Sanitation and Water Resources, Madam Abena Dapaah can deliver and fulfill the mission of the ministry." 

In an interaction with journalists after the visit, the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Mrs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his continuous efforts in protecting the Barekese and Owabi Rivers. 

She, however, described as quite disturbing the serious galamsey activities ongoing just twenty (20) metres away from River Oda in the Odaso community