The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on President Mahama to take firm and decisive action against any Member of Parliament or government official found to be involved in illegal mining activities.
The coalition emphasized that holding public officials accountable is crucial in the fight against galamsey, as their participation in such activities undermines efforts to curb environmental destruction and protect the nation’s natural resources.
In a statement, they urged the President to demonstrate strong leadership by ensuring that individuals implicated in illegal mining face the full force of the law, regardless of their political status or affiliations.
“We, the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey…write to urgently bring to your attention serious allegations regarding the involvement of the Honourable Member of Parliament for Aowin Constituency, Oscar Larbi, in illegal mining (galamsey).
“If substantiated, these allegations represent a profound breach of public trust and stand in direct contradiction to both Your Excellency’s personal commitment and the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining in Ghana”.
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
The Coalition emphasized that these allegations further erode the trust in the administration’s commitment to ensuring that individuals within the government refrain from participating in illegal activities, particularly galamsey.
They pointed out that the integrity of the government is at stake, as these accusations challenge the administration’s promises to tackle illegal mining and its associated environmental destruction.
The Coalition also highlighted the alarming situation unfolding in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, located in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region.
This once-vibrant forest reserve is now being ravaged by illegal mining operations, which have led to substantial deforestation and ecological damage.
Reports reveal that illegal miners have completely overtaken the reserve, exacerbating the loss of valuable forest cover.
The Coalition stated that in response to this escalating crisis, the Aowin Traditional Council held a press conference on January 27th, 2025, during which they publicly accused the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Aowin Constituency of being complicit in the illegal mining activities that are wreaking havoc on the forest.
The Council’s statement, the Coalition indicated, has added weight to the growing concerns that illegal mining continues to be a major threat to the region’s environment.
They also argued that this further reinforces the narrative that those in positions of power might be playing a role in enabling the proliferation of illegal mining. “Additionally, video coverage of the accusations has been widely broadcast by prominent media outlets, including Multimedia and Media General, on Joy News and TV3”.
Calls for Investigation into Illegal Mining Allegations
Furthermore, the Coalition Against Galamsey emphasized that it is crucial to provide both the chiefs and the MP with an opportunity to contribute to the search for solutions to end illegal mining, in line with President Mahama’s commitment to this cause.
According to the Coalition, illegal mining has become a grave threat to Ghana, resulting in severe environmental damage.
These problems, they indicated, include the destruction of vital water bodies, food insecurity, and serious health risks from mercury and cyanide contamination.
“In light of these allegations, we respectfully call on your office to: Direct a Full-Scale Investigation through relevant state agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Minerals Commission.
“Reaffirm the Government’s Commitment to ending illegal mining by ensuring that no public official, regardless of position, is shielded from accountability”.
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
The Coalition expressed that Ghanaians are looking for strong leadership in the battle against illegal mining and trust in your dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Accordingly, they requested a response from the President detailing the actions his office plans to take in addressing this issue.
The Coalition expressed its commitment to supporting sustainable environmental governance in Ghana and will continue to closely monitor the progress of this matter.
“Your Excellency, we respectfully remind you of our letter with reference number GCAG/OoP/25/020, dated 17th January 2025, on the topic ‘Urgent Executive Cease-And-Desist Order For Galamsey Impunity Needed’”.
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
As such, they requested a meeting with the President or his designated representatives to discuss the critical action points for dealing with Galamsey for the short to medium term.
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