The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to investigate allegations of illegal mining brought against the Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Ofori Larbi.

The coalition, comprising media organisations, labour unions, religious bodies, and traditional authorities, raised concerns in a letter dated 30th January, urging swift action to address the issue.

The allegations pertain to the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region, which has reportedly suffered extensive environmental damage due to illegal mining activities.

Local traditional leaders have accused the MP of facilitating the entry of illegal miners, whose operations are said to be causing significant deforestation and land degradation.

According to the coalition, the consequences of these activities include widespread environmental destruction, the loss of vital forest cover, and severe ecological damage.

It has therefore called for a thorough and independent investigation involving key state institutions such as the Ghana Police Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Minerals Commission to establish the facts and ensure accountability.

Furthermore, the coalition is demanding urgent punitive measures against any government official or legislator found complicit in illegal mining.

It maintains that decisive action is necessary to demonstrate the government’s commitment to eradicating the menace of galamsey and safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources.

In addition to petitioning the President, the coalition has also reached out to the Speaker of Parliament and the Inspector General of Police, stressing that addressing these allegations is crucial to maintaining public confidence in the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining.

It insists that failure to act could undermine the national fight against galamsey and erode trust in state institutions.