Ghana Mining Review A reliable source of mining industry news in Ghana
Related Articles
A gold mining firm, Akonta Mining Company Limited, has been sensationally stripped of all its mining licenses following explosive allegations of rampant illegal mining (galamsey) and flagrant breaches of environmental regulations. In a dramatic press conference held on Monday, Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, revealed a shocking web of illicit activities that painted the company not just as rogue miners, but as orchestrators of a criminal enterprise within Ghana’s protected forest reserves.
The Minister laid bare accusations that Akonta Mining had been brazenly carving up concessions within the Aboi Forest, selling access to unauthorised galamsey operators for a staggering GH₵300,000 a plot – or, in some cases, demanding payment in raw gold. Mr Buah delivered a stinging indictment, stating that the company had not only illegally encroached upon protected land but had allegedly morphed into a “criminal syndicate,” effectively auctioning off swathes of the Aboi Forest.
“This company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access of the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GH₵300,000 per concession,” a visibly incensed Mr Buah declared.
The accusations didn’t stop there. The Minister further alleged that these illegal miners were operating under Akonta Mining’s shadowy protection, leaving a trail of devastation along the vital River Tano and its surrounding woodlands with apparent impunity. Adding a further layer of alleged corruption, Mr Buah revealed a purported agreement between Akonta Mining and the illegal miners that involved weekly “royalties” of 250 grams of gold flowing back to the company, effectively lining the pockets of Akonta’s alleged collaborators.
In response to these damning revelations, Minister Buah announced decisive action. “In light of the overwhelming evidence, I have authorised the Minerals Commission to take steps to revoke the lease of Akonta Mining Co. Ltd with immediate effect,” he stated firmly.
The fallout from the scandal is already widening. Mr Buah announced that forestry officials suspected of being complicit in these illegal activities have been immediately suspended pending thorough investigations and potential prosecution. Furthermore, security agencies have been tasked with investigating any officers who may have colluded with Akonta Mining within the Aboi Forest Reserve.
The gravity of the situation has prompted the involvement of the highest legal authority, with the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, now briefed and taking over the investigations for further legal action. Mr Buah was unequivocal in stating that Akonta Mining possesses no legitimate lease to operate within the Tano Nimiri Forest reserve, branding their activities there as “illegal and criminal.”
In a clear warning shot to other large-scale mining concession holders, the Minister vowed to expose and dismantle any similar schemes designed to mask the destruction of Ghana’s vital natural resources. “This is a warning to all large-scale mining concession holders hiding behind legal leases to fund the destruction of our forests and river bodies. We know some of your schemes – We are coming after you,” he asserted.
The explosive allegations and swift action have already ignited further calls from civil society, including legal experts like Kpebu and figures like Ashigbey, for the immediate prosecution of Akonta Mining and its Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, a prominent political figure. This unfolding saga promises to send shockwaves through Ghana’s mining sector and raises serious questions about the oversight and enforcement of environmental regulations.
