The queenmother of Asante Mampong, Nana Agyakoma Difie, has decried the devastating effects of illegal mining, popularly known as ‘Galamsey’ on the environment.

She said the upsurge in illegal mining, notably by foreigners who use deadly chemicals in their operations, was rapidly destroying the environment.

Nana Difie said river bodies which serve as potable drinking water for the rural folks were rapidly being destroyed by the illegal miners.

The Maponghemaa wondered why the government and appropriate agencies had failed to protect the environment.

Nana Difie disclosed this while speaking to a section of the press in Kumasi during the fourth and final segment of the Service Management and Leadership for Traditional Authorities programme in Kumasi.

Organized by the Osei Tutu II Centre for Executive Education and Research, the educative programme is geared towards enhancing the knowledge of the traditional leaders.

Nana Difie insisted that it was unacceptable for government to sit aloof and watch the destruction of river bodies and the environment.

She accused the government of not providing potable drinking water for the rural folks, adding that it should assist the rural dwellers by protecting the river bodies.

Nana Difie was not happy with the indifference of chiefs in the wake of the destruction of river bodies in their localities as a result of illegal mining, adding that chiefs were not doing enough to protect river bodies.

The Mamponghemaa charged chiefs to boldly drag government to court in a situation whereby the government sanctioned illegal mining in their localities.

She appealed to the queen mothers to courageously stop illegal mining in their areas.

Nana Difie said the rural dwellers also deserve better in terms of access to potable drinking water, cautioning the perpetrators to stop the destruction of river bodies in the country.

The traditional leaders studied ‘Leadership and Financial Management’ in the final part of the four-month programme. They previously undertook courses such as Service Management and Innovation, ICT and Land Administration and Contemporary Issues in Leadership.