The Member of Parliament (MP) for Aowin Constituency, Oscar Ofori Larbi has debunked claims 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 is 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.
The MP also noted that he has no knowledge of any mining firm engaging in illegal activity in the area.
Oscar Ofori Larbi noted that he will further engage his lawyers for the accuses 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 perpetrated 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 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
