The Member of Parliament (MP) for Aowin Constituency, Oscar Ofori Larbi has debunked any claim that he is deeply involved in illegal mining activities in Tano Anwia Forest Reserve.

The Aowin Traditional Council has accused the Member of Parliament (MP), Oscar Ofori Larbi, of being involved in illegal mining (galamsey) operations in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve.

Oscar Ofori Larbi said the accusations are not true and smack of malice.

In reaction, Oscar Ofori Larbi stressed that the allegation was aimed at distracting him from his duties as MP.

"My attention has been drawn to false claims that I am involved in illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as "galamsey."

"The allegations are totally and completely false, baseless, malicious and deliberately calculated to injure my hard-won reputation,'' he said.

"As the honourable Member of Parliament for Aowin, my topmost priority is the well-being of my constituents,'' he added.

Oscar Ofori Larbi noted that he will further engage his lawyers for the accused to be summoned to show proof of his involvement in galamsey.

"I urge those spreading these baseless claims to cease their defamatory acts.

My legal team has been instructed to take the necessary steps to protect my reputation if these falsehoods continue,'' he said.

"Furthermore, I condemn the assault on members of the rapid response team and any act of lawlessness. Violence and impunity have no place in our society."

Read Full Statement From Oscar Ofori Larbi

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27/01/2025

Press Statement on Allegations of Illegal Mining

My attention has been drawn to false claims that I am involved in illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as "galamsey."

The allegations are totally and completely false, baseless, malicious and deliberately calculated to injure my hard-won reputation.

As the honourable Member of Parliament for Aowin, my topmost priority is the well-being of my constituents.

Consequently, I have been a key advocate of sustainable development and environmental preservation. Illegal mining is destructive to our natural resources and threatens the livelihoods of future generations—a practice I strongly oppose.

For the avoidance of doubt, I have no involvement, directly or indirectly, in any illegal mining activities. It is disheartening that some faceless people have made it their stock in trade to perpetrate these unfounded allegations against me, in spite of my stiff resistance to illegal mining.

I condemn the recent act of violence and the loss of life in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve. This incident is deeply saddening.

It is worth pointing out that I nearly lost my bid for re-election due to my vigorous campaign against illegal mining.

My opposition to illegal mining made me quite unpopular among certain individuals and threatened my re-election bid in the last December parliamentary elections.

My opposition to galamsey has always been real and unwavering, despite its adverse implications on my political fortunes.

I urge those spreading these baseless claims to cease their defamatory acts. My legal team has been instructed to take the necessary steps to protect my reputation if these falsehoods continue.

Furthermore, I condemn the assault on members of the rapid response team and any act of lawlessness. Violence and impunity have no place in our society.

I remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to protect Ghana’s natural resources and promote sustainable development.

Finally, I encourage my constituents and the general public to disregard these malicious rumours and treat them with the contempt that they deserve.

Let us stay focused on building a better future for our community and nation.

Thank you.

Signed,

Hon. Oscar Ofori Larbi

Member of Parliament for Aowin Constituency