Western North Region
The fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey, continues to face serious challenges, as fresh allegations emerge against some National Democratic Congress (NDC) party executives in the Aowin Municipality. According to reports from community members and galamsey operators, certain party officials are allegedly involved in illegal mining activities within the Omanpe forest.
Despite continuous efforts by the government to clamp down on galamsey operations, including the formation of anti-galamsey taskforces, the alleged involvement of political party figures threatens to undermine the entire campaign. Community members of Omanpe have raised concerns that excavators are being moved into forest reserves under the protection or direction of local party officials. They claim that while residents are restricted from entering the forest, some individuals associated with the party are regularly seen operating within it.
These allegations were made during a community engagement organized by the Minerals Commission in Omanpe to educate residents on responsible and cooperative mining practices. The event, intended to promote legal mining, instead brought to light suspicions that those tasked with upholding the law may be breaking it.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Aowin,Stephen Morcher, has been actively leading the charge against galamsey in the municipality. So far, his office has seized 33 excavators believed to be used for illegal mining activities. His efforts have gained public support, but the accusations against fellow party members could complicate the local government’s stance.
In response to the developments, NDC Aowin Constituency Chairman Mahama Sarni expressed deep concern over the situation. He stated that any party executive found to be involved in galamsey must be held accountable. He also pledged to initiate steps to investigate the matter and called on the higher leadership of the party to take swift action if the allegations are confirmed. Sarni further warned all party executives and members to desist from any illegal mining activities, stressing that he would not defend anyone caught violating the law.
As investigations are expected to follow, residents of Aowin and environmental advocates alike are calling for transparency, accountability, and stronger enforcement to protect the region’s forests and water bodies from further destruction.
