The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the Member of Parliament for Aowin in the Western Region over his alleged involvement in illegal mining in forest reserves in the area.
The coalition has also urged the police to ensure that the MP, who has persisted in denying the accusation, is prosecuted if found guilty, to serve as a deterrent to others across the country.
In a letter addressed to the IGP, GCAG formally requested an immediate and thorough criminal investigation into allegations that Mr. Larbi is engaged in illegal mining or galamsey.
The letter further informed the police of the ongoing destruction of the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Aowin Municipality, Western North Region, which is being fuelled by illegal mining activities.
Reports indicate that illegal miners have overrun the reserve, causing significant forest degradation.
It also called on the police to “collaborate with relevant agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Forestry Commission, and the Minerals Commission, to obtain the necessary evidence.”
GCAG appealed to the police to respond swiftly to their letter and address the matter as quickly as possible to prevent further environmental damage.
Last week, the Aowin Traditional Council held a press conference at which it accused its Member of Parliament, Oscar Ofori Larbi, of involvement in illegal mining operations in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve.
It, therefore, appealed to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to protect the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, which has been infiltrated by illegal miners despite a ban on such activities by the traditional council.
Addressing the media, the Tufuhene of the Enchi Traditional Council, Nana Opayin II, stated that Mr. Larbi had ignored their calls to address these concerns, prompting them to call on the Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to intervene, but that had not yielded any results.
It therefore called for a joint effort from the government, Forestry Commission, media outlets, and security agencies to stop the destruction of the Aowin Forest Reserve and protect the environment.