Galamsey fight: "Otumfuo heard it and took action; is the President saying he hasn’t heard, seen it?" — Kwami Sefa Kayi slams Akufo-Addo 

Ace broadcast journalist Kwami Sefa Kayi has criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his silence on the devastating effects of illegal mining, known as galamsey, on the environment.

Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Sefa Kayi expressed disappointment in the President’s lack of reaction, compared to the actions taken by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II.

Sefa Kayi’s remarks follow Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II decisive efforts where he recently destooled three chiefs in the Ashanti Region for their involvement in illegal mining activities.

The destooled chiefs include the Gyaasehene of Sabronum, Nana Awua Gyau Atuomi, Sabronum’s Akyeamehene, and the Baamuhene, who were found to have encouraged galamsey in their communities.

During the adjudication at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo highlighted the chiefs’ failure to protect their lands, stating, “I gave the town to you, you could not take care of it. I’ve long been following up on this matter. This is also the report from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI); your names are clearly mentioned here in this report."

Reacting to Otumfuo’s actions, Sefa Kayi praised the Asantehene’s proactive stance against galamsey and questioned why the President has not demonstrated similar resolve.

“Based on reports Otumfuo received regarding those engaged in galamsey activities, he took steps in dealing with the canker. The media has been vociferous on illegal mining in this country.

“Is the President saying he hasn’t heard it?” Sefa Kayi questioned, adding, “Erastus Asare Donkor of Multimedia has consistently reported on the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, even earning him the Journalist of the Year award.”

Sefa Kayi stressed, “Otumfuo heard it and took action. So, is the President saying he hasn’t heard it? If Otumfuo can use State investigative intelligence like the BNI to carry out an investigation for him, why can’t the President do the same?"

He concluded by emphasizing that the Asantehene’s actions expose the failure on the part of the government and security agencies to deal with the menace.

“As we commend and applaud Otumfuo, it is an indictment on the President, the government in power, and our security agencies because if it can be done by the Asantehene, then it could be done by the President who has all the powers at his disposal,” Sefa Kayi asserted.