Key Points
- Akonta Mining’s licence revoked due to involvement in illegal mining.
- Company accused of selling access to protected forest reserves.
- Ghana’s Minister vows to combat illegal mining with full force.
Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced the revocation of all mining licences held by Akonta Mining Company Limited.
The decision followed the discovery of “overwhelming evidence” pointing to illegal mining and a criminal syndicate led by the company.
The Minister said that Akonta Mining, despite being legally registered to mine off-reserve, had breached multiple mining regulations, including unauthorized operations in protected forest reserves.
“This company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate,” said Buah, revealing that Akonta Mining sold access to the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for GH₵300,000 per concession.
These miners operated with impunity under the protection of the company, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests.
Investigation uncovers illegal mining syndicate and corruption
An undercover investigation revealed a systematic illegal operation managed by Akonta Mining. Representatives of the company allegedly negotiated sub-leases with illegal miners, collecting up to 250 grams of gold weekly in return for protection.
The investigation also implicated forestry officers and security personnel who provided cover for the illegal activities, accepting part of the GH₵300,000 fee from Akonta Mining.
The investigation led to a coordinated raid by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission. On the eve of Good Friday (April 17), authorities raided six illegal mining sites connected to Akonta Mining.
They arrested 51 individuals, including eight Chinese nationals, and confiscated heavy equipment, firearms, vehicles, and mining tools.
Government vows to act against illegal mining and corruption
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Buah, authorized the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s lease. He also directed the suspension of forestry officials involved in the illegal activities. Buah has briefed the Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, who has taken over the investigation.
In his statement, Buah warned other mining concession holders who may be hiding behind legal leases to fund illegal mining activities.
He declared the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicate galamsey, describing it as an “environmental sin against humanity and God.”
He also urged youth involved in illegal mining to seek alternatives and warned that the state would act decisively against offenders.
