Mahama Urged to Investigate Aowin MP Following Allegations of Involvement in Illegal Mining

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on former President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate and decisive action regarding allegations linking Oscar Larbi, the Member of Parliament for Aowin, to illegal mining activities. The coalition, which consists of media groups, labor unions, faith-based organizations, and traditional leaders, sent an official petition to the Jubilee House on January 30, 2025, urging swift intervention to address the issue.

The allegations relate to illegal mining activities in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve located within the Aowin Municipality in the Western North Region. Traditional authorities in the area have accused MP Oscar Larbi of facilitating illegal mining in the region by bringing in miners whose activities are reportedly damaging the environment.

According to the coalition, these mining activities have resulted in severe environmental harm, including the destruction of vegetation and the significant loss of forest cover, exacerbating the already critical issue of deforestation in the area. The coalition has expressed serious concern over the long-term impact of such illegal activities on both the environment and the livelihoods of the local communities.

In its petition, the coalition is calling for an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations. It has specifically requested that key agencies such as the Ghana Police Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Minerals Commission conduct thorough investigations to uncover the full extent of the illegal mining activities and identify those responsible for the environmental degradation.

The coalition has also demanded that any government official, including Members of Parliament, found to be involved in illegal mining activities be held accountable. To ensure the issue is addressed with the seriousness it deserves, the coalition has petitioned both the Speaker of Parliament and the Inspector General of Police, urging them to support the investigation and take necessary actions.

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey stressed that addressing these allegations is crucial for maintaining public trust in the government’s commitment to combat illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” which has long been a major environmental and socio-economic concern in the country. The coalition believes that taking immediate action will send a strong message to all those involved in illegal mining and strengthen efforts to protect the nation’s natural resources.