KEY POINTS
- Akonta Mining has operated illegally since 2022 without prosecution.
- Coalition demands prosecution of Akonta Mining and officials involved.
- Delay in action damages the anti-galamsey campaign’s credibility.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has accused the government of willful inaction and called for Akonta Mining Ltd. to be prosecuted immediately for unlawful mining.
The prosecution of Akonta Mining demands immediate government action
The coalition voiced its displeasure with the postponed sanctions in spite of solid evidence against Akonta Mining in a sharply worded statement on Sunday, May 18.
The coalition’s convenor, Kenneth Ashigbey, called it startling and disheartening that the government has not enforced the laws against Akonta Mining’s activities.
Ashigbey stated that Akonta Mining’s illicit acts were documented by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which also pledged prompt legal action.
Akonta Mining’s operations in protected areas without legal authority or responsibility resulted in considerable environmental devastation, according to the ministry’s documentary.
At first, authorities promised to punish executives from Akonta Mining as well as careless representatives of the Security Services and Minerals and Forestry Commissions.
There have been no arrests or convictions a month after those promises, which raises questions about the alleged governmental protection of the offenders and their impunity.
The coalition emphasized that since 2022, Akonta Mining has been conducting illicit operations, causing significant pollution in the Tano River and the destruction of forest reserves.
Additionally, they underlined that Akonta Mining’s involvement in illicit mining activities throughout Ghana is further supported by the freezing of its accounts.
The coalition maintains that legal action is past time and calls for immediate arrests and court processes for all those involved, even in spite of that financial action.
In order to demonstrate accountability, it called on the government to bring charges against Akonta’s managing director, board members, and any other complicit public officials.
Pressure mounts on government to act swiftly on illegal mining
The coalition cautioned that inaction on the part of the government weakens the national effort to combat galamsey and encourages more illicit mining operations throughout the nation.
According to Myjoyonline, they reaffirmed that political or economic affiliations or interests must not be used as a basis for selective enforcement of mining and environmental regulations.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is keeping a close eye on the situation and anticipates a definite indication of the government’s dedication to justice.
