The wife of former Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has criticised the chiefs and leaders of the Western Region for their perceived lack of support towards the region's development.

Matilda Arthur pointed out that the chiefs have not effectively addressed the issue of illegal mining in the region which has raised concerns nationally.

Her remarks were made during the Western Regional Development Conference organised by the Nana Kobina Nketsia IV Trust on the theme "Driving Inclusive and Equitable Development in the Western Region of Ghana: A Call to Action."

The conference involved extensive and passionate discussions on strategies to promote regional development and expedite growth.

Matilda Arthur expressed her dissatisfaction with the chiefs and leaders for allegedly allowing illegal mining (galamsey) activities to degrade water bodies and fertile lands.

She questioned the rumours suggesting that the chiefs had accepted substantial sums of money to facilitate these unlawful operations.

"Chiefs and leaders, where have you been when all the lands are being taken over by galamsey? Some say that you have sold our lands, some say that you are fronted for big men, in Accra, Takoradi, Ho even in America and China.

“And some even say that you have been given huge amount of money. I don’t even see the huge amount of money on you.

"I don’t see it in your buildings, I don’t see it in the way you dress, I don’t see it anywhere but did you collect those huge amounts?" Mrs. Amissah-Arthur inquired.

Responding to this, the conference's chairman, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim, expressed dismay over the limited progress evident in the region's development.

He emphasised the urgent need for all stakeholders to unite and fight for a more equitable distribution of resources.

Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim stressed the importance of the conference becoming a "driving force" for the development agenda, collaborating with the government to take immediate action in pursuit of progress.