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the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has ordered the immediate revocation of all mining licences held by Akonta Mining Company Limited.
The directive follows damning revelations of the company’s involvement in galamsey operations and gross violations of Ghana’s mining laws.
Addressing the media at a press conference on Monday, April 21, Mr. Buah disclosed that Akonta Mining had been implicated in a series of illicit activities, including unauthorised mining within protected forest reserves and illegal sale of mining concessions.
“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,” the Minister said.
According to Mr. Buah, the company went further by striking illegal deals with galamsey operators, allowing them to work under Akonta’s protection. In return, the company received weekly royalties amounting to 250 grams of gold.
“Worse, these illegal miners operate under Akonta’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity,” he revealed.
The Minister confirmed that the Minerals Commission has been instructed to immediately revoke all existing leases issued to Akonta Mining, while further punitive measures are being pursued.
“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,” Mr. Buah stated.
Furthermore, he directed that forestry officials allegedly complicit in the scheme be interdicted with immediate effect pending investigations. The directive also extends to security personnel suspected of collusion, with the police and national security agencies tasked to conduct thorough investigations.
“The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, has been fully briefed and has taken over the investigations for legal action,” the Minister added.
Mr. Buah reiterated that Akonta Mining had no legal lease to operate in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve and condemned their activities as “illegal and criminal.”
He concluded with a stern warning to other concession holders exploiting legal permits to mask illegal activities.
“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.”
The move has been welcomed by environmental advocates, with renewed calls for the prosecution of Akonta Mining and its associates, including key figures believed to be behind the company’s operations.
