The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), comprising media organizations, labour unions, religious bodies, youth groups, academia, pressure groups, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, business associations, and professional bodies, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action regarding allegations of illegal mining (galamsey) involvement against Hon. Oscar Larbi, Member of Parliament for Aowin Constituency.

In a letter addressed to the Office of the President at Jubilee House, Accra, the coalition raised concerns over the alleged participation of the MP in illegal mining activities, particularly in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region.

“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 (GCAG)

Illegal mining continues to pose a significant environmental threat in Ghana, leading to deforestation, pollution of water bodies, and loss of biodiversity.

According to reports, the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, a crucial ecological zone in the Aowin Municipality, is being rapidly destroyed by galamsey activities.

During a press conference on January 27, 2025, the Aowin Traditional Council alleged that the MP for Aowin, Oscar Larbi, has direct links to the illegal mining operations that have overrun the reserve.

The traditional leaders emphasized that the continued degradation of the forest is a direct result of unchecked illegal mining, which has led to widespread deforestation and environmental devastation.

The allegations against the MP have triggered significant public concern, particularly among environmentalists, civil society organizations, and community leaders, who are calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the claims.

Coalition Demands Immediate Presidential Intervention

The petition from the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is part of a larger call from environmentalists, civil society organizations, and community leaders to address the deep-rooted issue of illegal mining in the country.

Environmental activists have long argued that illegal mining poses an existential threat to Ghana’s natural resources, with the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve being one of the many areas that have been severely impacted.

“We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this matter.
“If the allegations are proven true, it will represent a failure on the part of those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of our people.”
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG)

In addition to the environmental toll, illegal mining has also led to a host of social and economic challenges.

Many illegal miners work under hazardous conditions, with little regard for safety standards or the long-term impact on local communities. Child labor, human trafficking, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations are also reported issues within the galamsey sector.

The GCAG is calling for a transparent, independent investigation into the allegations against Oscar Larbi, arguing that it is crucial for the integrity of Ghana’s political leadership to remain intact.

The group has also urged the government to strengthen its efforts to enforce laws against illegal mining and to invest in sustainable mining practices that can provide economic opportunities without harming the environment.

The group is demanding that the President act swiftly and decisively to address the situation and to send a clear message that illegal mining will not be tolerated, regardless of an individual’s political position.

The petition to the President and the subsequent allegations against the Aowin MP highlighted the broader, persistent issue of illegal mining in Ghana.

Despite the government’s ongoing efforts to curb galamsey through the deployment of military personnel and the implementation of stricter regulations, illegal mining continues to thrive in many regions of the country.

As the country waits for an official response from the President and a potential investigation into the allegations, the call for accountability remains louder than ever. The ongoing challenges of galamsey and the environmental degradation it causes will require both political will and collective action to address effectively.