Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey Calls for Investigation into MP’s Alleged Involvement in Illegal Mining

A formal request has been made by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey to the President, Speaker, and Inspector General of Police to investigate allegations of complicity by the Member of Parliament for Aowin Constituency, Hon. Oscar Larbi, in illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey.

The coalition, made up of organizations committed to environmental sustainability and justice, is seeking an urgent parliamentary inquiry into the matter.

The allegations against the MP are related to the destruction of the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Aowin Municipality, Western North Region, which is being fueled by illegal mining activities.

The Aowin Traditional Council has accused the MP of involvement in the illegal mining operations, which have caused significant forest loss. The council held a press conference on January 27, 2025, to make the accusations public.

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is concerned that if the allegations are substantiated, they would amount to serious criminal offenses under Ghanaian law, including violations of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the Environmental Protection Act, and other relevant statutes.

The coalition is calling for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that those responsible for the destruction of the forest reserve are held accountable. The investigation should also aim to prevent further environmental degradation and protect the rights of communities affected by illegal mining activities.

This is not the first time the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has spoken out against illegal mining activities in the country. The coalition has previously called on the National House of Chiefs to clarify its stance on galamsey and has criticized the president of the National House of Chiefs for opposing a mining ban