The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action regarding allegations of illegal mining involving the Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Larbi. The coalition, which comprises media organizations, labour groups, faith-based institutions, and traditional authorities, submitted a letter to the Jubilee House on January 30, urging the President to intervene and address the matter with urgency.
The allegations focus on illegal mining activities within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region. According to the petitioners, illegal mining operations in the area have led to severe environmental degradation, including deforestation, the destruction of vegetation, and significant damage to the ecosystem. The Coalition asserts that Oscar Larbi has been accused by traditional authorities of facilitating these illegal mining activities by allegedly bringing in miners whose operations have devastated the forest reserve.
The impact of these alleged activities has raised serious concerns among environmental advocates and local communities, who fear the long-term consequences of unchecked mining. The Coalition argues that the destruction of the forest threatens biodiversity, water bodies, and the livelihoods of residents who depend on the land for farming and other economic activities. With illegal mining already posing a major challenge to Ghana’s environmental sustainability, the petitioners believe that swift action is necessary to prevent further damage.
In its petition to President Mahama, the Coalition is demanding an independent investigation into the allegations. It insists that key institutions such as the Ghana Police Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Minerals Commission should be involved in probing the claims to establish the truth and identify those responsible for the destruction of the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve. The Coalition maintains that any individuals or entities found culpable should face the full force of the law, regardless of their political status or affiliations.
The call for an independent investigation underscores the Coalition’s broader demand for transparency and accountability in the fight against illegal mining. The group has emphasized that combating galamsey requires firm leadership and nonpartisan enforcement of environmental laws. It also warns that if public officials are allowed to engage in or support illegal mining activities without consequences, it will undermine efforts to combat the menace and erode public trust in the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
Beyond its petition to the President, the Coalition has also formally addressed its concerns to the Speaker of Parliament and the Inspector General of Police. By engaging multiple state institutions, the group aims to ensure that the issue is not ignored or politicized. The Coalition believes that Parliament, as an oversight body, has a responsibility to hold its members accountable for any alleged wrongdoing. Similarly, it expects the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the claims and take appropriate legal action against anyone found guilty.
The Coalition has also stressed that addressing these allegations is crucial to reinforcing the government’s anti-galamsey campaign. Over the years, illegal mining has devastated several regions in Ghana, polluting rivers, destroying farmlands, and threatening the livelihoods of countless citizens. Despite numerous interventions by the government, the problem persists due to weak enforcement, corruption, and the involvement of politically connected individuals. The petitioners argue that for the fight against galamsey to be effective, there must be no sacred cows, and those in leadership positions must be held to the same standards as ordinary citizens.
In recent years, the government has intensified its efforts to curb illegal mining, deploying military personnel under the Operation Halt initiative to clamp down on illegal miners. While these interventions have recorded some successes, concerns remain about the sustainability of such measures. The Coalition insists that the only way to achieve lasting results is through a combination of strong political will, institutional accountability, and community engagement. It urges the government to strengthen existing laws and ensure that offenders are prosecuted swiftly to serve as a deterrent to others.
The allegations against Oscar Larbi also highlight the broader issue of political interference in the mining sector. Environmental activists and civil society groups have long accused some politicians of either directly engaging in illegal mining or providing cover for those involved. The Coalition warns that if such allegations are not thoroughly investigated and addressed, they will continue to undermine the credibility of the government’s efforts to eradicate illegal mining.
For residents of Aowin and surrounding communities, the impact of illegal mining is personal. Many have expressed frustration over the destruction of their farmlands and water sources, which has made it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods. The loss of forest cover has also exacerbated climate-related challenges, leading to unpredictable rainfall patterns and soil degradation. Community leaders have voiced their support for the Coalition’s petition, urging the government to take decisive action to protect the environment and the future of their people.
As President Mahama reviews the petition, all eyes are on the government’s response. Environmental groups, media organizations, and concerned citizens are closely monitoring the situation, eager to see whether the allegations will be met with a strong and impartial investigation. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar allegations involving public officials are handled in the future. It will also serve as a test of the government’s resolve in tackling illegal mining, a problem that has plagued Ghana for years.
The Coalition has made it clear that it will not relent in its advocacy until concrete steps are taken to address the concerns raised in its petition. It has vowed to continue engaging stakeholders and mobilizing public support to demand accountability. With Ghana’s natural resources under constant threat from illegal mining, the Coalition believes that now is the time for decisive action to protect the nation’s environment for future generations.
2.-GCAG-OoP-25-021-Request-for-Presidential-Action-on-Allegations-of-Illegal-Mining.-Involvement-by-the-MP-For-Aowin-Constituency 3.-GCAG-PoG-25-021-Urgent-Parliamentary-Inquiry-Into-Allegations-Of-Illegal-Mining-Involvement-By-The-Member-Of-Parliament-For-Aowin-Constituency-Hon.-Oscar-Larbi 4.-GCAG-GPS-25-021-Urgent-Request-For-Criminal-Investigation-Into-Allegations-Of-Illegal-Mining-Involvement-By-The-Mp-For-Aowin-Constituency-Hon-Oscar-Larbi
