Aowin MP Denies Involvement in Galamsey, Challenges Accusers
Aowin, Ghana - 29 Jan, 2025 - Aowin Member of Parliament, Oscar Ofori Larbi, has vehemently denied allegations of involvement in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, levelled against him by the Aowin Traditional Council.
The council accused Larbi of forming a galamsey squad and hiring thugs from Northern Ghana to work on his behalf.
Apeaking to the media, Larbi dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, stating that they are part of a deliberate campaign to tarnish his reputation and discredit his leadership. He explained that the individuals referenced by the traditional leaders were not illegal miners but rather members of his political party who were introduced to an anti-galamsey task force by the same traditional authorities.
“What they are saying is bluntly not true. It is false. It is a calculated attempt to tarnish my image. The northerners the traditional authorities are claiming I have brought to come and do illegal mining, after this report, I will be vindicated because these groups are party members and they were introduced to this task force of illegal mining by the same traditional authorities,'' he stated.
The MP's denial comes amid rising concerns about galamsey in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, which has been infiltrated by illegal miners despite a ban by the traditional council. The council has called on the government, Forestry Commission, media outlets, and security agencies to join forces to stop the destruction of the forest reserve and protect the environment.
Larbi has pledged to collaborate with the Minister-Designate for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, to combat illegal mining activities in the area.
Source: Lead News Online
