The Member of Parliament for Aowin Constituency,Mr Oscar Ofori Larbi, has denied allegations levelled against him by the Aowin Traditional Council, who claim he is actively involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
“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,” Mr Ofori Larbi said in a statement issued in Accra on Monday.
The MP noted that 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.”
He pointed out that his opposition to galamsey has always been real and unwavering, despite its adverse implications on his political fortunes, urging those spreading these baseless claims to cease their defamatory acts. He indicated his committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to protect Ghana’s natural resources and promote sustainable development.
The MP further challenged the accusations regarding his alleged role in bringing illegal miners, reportedly from the northern part of the country, into Aowin.
“What they are saying is bluntly not true. It is false. It is a calculated attempt to tarnish my image. The northerners the traditional authorities are claiming I have brought to come and do illegal mining, after this report, I will be vindicated because these groups are party members and they were introduced to this task force of illegal mining by the same traditional authorities.”
Mr Ofori Larbi clarified further that the individuals being referenced by the traditional Council were not illegal miners but rather members of a political party who were introduced to an anti-galamsey task force by the same traditional authorities who are now accusing him.
By Mohammed Suleman/ publicagenda.news
