The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is demanding immediate and uncompromising investigations into Aowin Member of Parliament, Oscar Ofori Larbi, and two National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency executives, following serious allegations linking them to illegal mining operations.
At a press briefing in Accra, Convener of the Coalition, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, did not mince words as he called on state investigative agencies to launch a swift and impartial probe, warning that political cover should not shield wrongdoers from the full force of the law.
“This is no longer just an environmental issue. Communities are being poisoned, our water bodies are being destroyed, and the future of this nation is being mortgaged due to inaction on illegal mining,” Dr. Ashigbey declared.
He cautioned that if lawmakers—those entrusted to uphold the nation’s legal and moral framework—are found complicit in illegal mining, it points to a systemic breakdown that must be urgently addressed.
The Coalition insisted that if credible evidence emerges, state prosecutors must pursue charges without “fear or favour,” regardless of the political weight or status of those involved.
Dr. Ashigbey also reiterated the Coalition’s longstanding call for government to declare a national state of emergency in galamsey-affected regions, citing the escalating environmental degradation as a full-blown security threat.
“We cannot afford selective justice. Accountability must be upheld regardless of political ties. The law must work for all,” he added.
The Coalition’s demand comes amid growing public frustration over the government’s struggle to curb illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, despite repeated assurances and enforcement campaigns.
Their latest call underscores the urgent need for decisive, nonpartisan action to safeguard Ghana’s environment, restore public trust, and uphold the rule of law.
