Queen Mother's emotional appeal to Mahama highlights the desperation of communities ravaged by galamsey.

John Dramani Mahama, the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), recently visited the Western Region as part of his campaign tour. During his meeting with the Western Regional House of Chiefs, the chiefs and queen mothers expressed their deep frustration with the lack of development in their region and the government's failure to stop the destructive practice of galamsey (illegal mining).

The chiefs urged Mahama to take drastic measures to combat galamsey if he wins the election on December 7, 2024. Specifically, they asked him to ban the importation of equipment used for galamsey, such as chamfans. One of the paramount chiefs spoke passionately, saying, "We're not responsible for collecting duties on imported chamfans. We don't have the power to control the army or the police. We're not encouraging galamsey, but we're suffering the consequences."

The Queen Mother of Mpohor was overcome with emotion as she described the devastating impact of galamsey in her community. "We're begging you, Mr. Mahama, all mothers are crying out to you. Our water bodies are being destroyed, and we can't even catch fish from them. Our roads are in terrible condition, and we're suffering. Please, remember the Western Region and help us."

This isn't the first time the issue of galamsey has been raised. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has previously called for an end to galamsey in the Western Region . The chiefs and queen mothers are now looking to Mahama to take action and address the devastating impact of galamsey in their communities.