The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action regarding allegations of illegal mining involving the Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Larbi.

The coalition, which includes media, labour groups, faith-based organisations, and traditional authorities, expressed its concerns in a January 30 letter addressed to the Jubilee House, highlighting the need for urgent intervention to address this issue.

The allegations centre on the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region, which has reportedly been affected by illegal mining activities.

Oscar Larbi is accused by the traditional authorities in the area of bringing in illegal miners whose activities they say are destructive and degrading.

According to the coalition, these activities have resulted in severe environmental degradation, including the destruction of vegetation and significant forest loss.

In its petition to President Mahama, the Coalition is demanding an independent investigation involving key agencies such as the Ghana Police Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Minerals Commission to uncover the facts and hold accountable any individuals or entities found culpable in the destruction.

It is also calling for immediate action against any MP or government official found to be involved in illegal mining activities.

The Coalition also petitioned the Speaker of Parliament and the Inspector General of Police on the matter and stressed that addressing these allegations is critical to maintaining public trust in the government’s commitment to fighting galamsey.