The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called for an urgent criminal investigation into allegations that the Member of Parliament (MP) for Aowin Constituency, Oscar Larbi, is engaged in illegal mining activities.
In a formal request to the Ghana Police Service, the coalition, made up of multiple organizations, urged authorities to immediately launch a thorough probe into the claims, which, if proven, would constitute serious violations of Ghana’s laws, including the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and the Environmental Protection Act.
The allegations come amid reports of widespread illegal mining in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region. According to the coalition, illegal miners have taken over the reserve, causing severe environmental destruction. The Aowin Traditional Council, in a press conference on January 27, 2025, accused Oscar Larbi of being complicit in these illegal activities. Their claims, along with the MP’s response, have been widely reported by various media outlets.
The coalition emphasized the devastating impact of illegal mining on the country, highlighting the destruction of forests, contamination of water bodies, and threats to food security and public health due to mercury and cyanide pollution.
As part of their demands, the coalition urged the Ghana Police Service to conduct an independent investigation into the MP’s alleged involvement in galamsey, collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Forestry Commission, and the Minerals Commission to gather necessary evidence and prosecute any violations under Ghanaian law to ensure accountability and deter similar acts by public officials.
The coalition stressed the need for swift action, warning that failure to act could lead to further environmental degradation and erode public trust. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sustainable environmental governance and pledged to closely monitor developments.
