The chiefs of the Aowin Traditional Area, on January 27, 2025, held a press conference to expose alleged misconduct by the Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Ofori Larbi.
According to the chiefs, their exposé is not an attack on the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the party to which Mr. Larbi belongs, but a response to his alleged acts of illegal mining, sabotage, and disregard for traditional authorities in the area.
The chiefs emphasized that while the allegations stem from Larbi’s actions, his conduct inadvertently drags the NDC into disrepute.
They also accused him of disrespecting the Aowin Traditional Council, undermining developmental efforts, and perpetuating illegal mining activities that have destroyed forest reserves and water bodies.
Illegal Mining in Aowin Forest Reserves
The chiefs claim that Mr. Larbi has been involved in illegal mining, also known as galamsey, for years, operating through a network led by his associate, Kwaku Ebi Dankwa (popularly known as KED), and other individuals.
- Timeline of Activities:
Larbi allegedly intensified his illegal mining operations on December 9, 2024, following the NDC’s victory in the 2024 elections.
His operations reportedly involve seizing mining equipment, demanding large sums for their release, and robbing miners of gold.
- Disruptive Acts:
His “galamsey squad” allegedly caused insecurity in Enchi, engaging in violent acts such as blocking roads, firing indiscriminately, and creating panic among residents.
- Defiance of Authority:
Despite repeated calls from the Aowin Traditional Council to discuss the destruction of forest reserves and address growing insecurity, Mr Larbi reportedly refused to honor their invitations, delegating his spokesperson, KED, who allegedly threatened members of the council.
- Involvement of External Forces:
The chiefs allege that Larbi imported thugs from Northern Ghana to spearhead his illegal mining operations.
The Council disclosed that after diplomatic attempts, they reached out to the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference to appeal to the government for intervention. They also called for the Ghana Police Service and Parliament to investigate and prosecute Larbi, providing evidence to support their claims.
Sabotaging Development Efforts
The chiefs further accused Mr. Larbi of sabotaging local development initiatives. In June 2024, the Aowin Traditional Council announced a decongestion exercise in Enchi to prevent flooding and improve infrastructure. The exercise, funded by the council, was scheduled to begin on January 13, 2025, with support from the municipal assembly.
However, Mr. Larbi allegedly halted the exercise, claiming that the council required his permission to proceed. The chiefs condemned this as an act of interference, emphasizing that the exercise was politically neutral and aimed solely at improving the welfare of the community.
Land Appropriation
The Aowin Traditional Council also accused Mr. Larbi of dishonestly appropriating stool lands during his tenure as District Chief Executive (DCE).
- Misappropriation of Lands:
Larbi reportedly acquired 40 acres of land in Boinso under the guise of facilitating an E-Block project promised by former President John Mahama.
He allegedly allocated part of municipal assembly land for personal use, including a fuel station and carwash businesses, without consulting the council.
- Unlawful Transactions:
The MP is accused of selling residential lands to establish a sawmill in contravention of local laws, backing the sawmill operator in a dispute against the council.
The chiefs warned that Larbi’s actions, including his support for individuals who disrespect traditional authority, threaten the unity and development of the Aowin area.
Call to Action
The Aowin Traditional Council called on Parliament and the NDC to take disciplinary action against Mr Larbi, whom they deem unfit to represent the constituency. They also appealed to the Inspector General of Police to investigate the allegations and prosecute Larbi for his role in the destruction of forest reserves and other criminal activities.
The chiefs urged a collective effort from the government, the Forestry Commission, the media, and security agencies to protect Aowin’s forest reserves, emphasizing that the survival of the region depends on the preservation of its natural resources.
In conclusion, the chiefs expressed hope that this press conference would bring national attention to the challenges facing the Aowin Traditional Area and compel the appropriate authorities to act swiftly.
Meanwhile, the MP, Oscar Ofori Larbi, has dismissed the allegations against him by traditional authorities, insisting that he is not involved in illegal mining activities within the forest.
In an interview with the press, the MP categorically denied the claims, stating that since January 2025, he has rather deployed soldiers from the 2BN battalion in Takoradi to protect the forest from illegal miners.
Responding to accusations that he imported thugs from Northern Ghana to the constituency, he refuted the claim, clarifying that the individuals in question are residents of Aowin, with families and deep-rooted ties to the area.
“If I am involved in galamsey, why would I bring men from 2BN to sack the illegal miners from the forest?” he questioned.
On the issue of his alleged refusal to appear before the traditional leaders, the MP explained that he had not intentionally avoided them. He noted that on the day of his supposed invitation, he was on admission at Enchi, a fact he said the traditional authorities were aware of.
As a result, the matter was handed over to a designated chief to liaise with him. However, when his health improved and he was ready to engage, the chief had traveled to Accra, and when he later traveled to Accra, the chief was back in Enchi, leading to an unfortunate delay in their meeting.
He assured that he remains open to engaging with the traditional authorities through the designated chief once the necessary arrangements are made.
Additionally, the MP welcomed the stance of the Lands and Natural Resources Minister nominee, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who has indicated his commitment to revoking all licenses granted to individuals engaged in mining within the forest.
