The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says chiefs cannot be accused of allowing illegal mining to thrive when licenses are issued without recourse to traditional authorities. He also questioned the failure of the security agencies to successfully fight illegal mining in the country. The Asantehene acknowledged the economic drivers for illegal mining operations, but says that should not supersede the environmental devastation. He made the remarks when the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. He also questioned the relevance of District and Municipal Security Councils over their failure to fight the illegal mining (galamsey) menace. He asked “At the district level, we have the political administration, District Chief Executive, and the Security Council. Are they all saying that they are unaware of the activities of these galamseyers? If they are unable to detect and stop the operation of these galamseyers then they are unworthy to be there, it is as simple as that.” “We should have brought finality to this issue by now. The President had even put his presidency on the line, and yet this is going on. To me, something is wrong somewhere.”