After alleging slander, Akonta Mining asks the government for GHs20 million in damages.

The Minerals Commission and Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah are the targets of a lawsuit brought by Akonta Mining Company Limited.
Due to claims of corruption and illicit mining in protected forest areas, the firm is requesting GHs20 million in damages.

According to Akonta Mining’s April 24 writ filed in the Accra High Court, Minister Buah accused the company of planning unlawful mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve at a press conference on April 22.
The business disputes these claims, claiming that its legitimately obtained mining leases—granted in 2021—are not located within the reserve.
The Minister ordered the immediate cancellation of all of Akonta Mining Company Limited’s mining licenses on April 21.

This came after the mining company was accused of engaging in unlawful mining operations (galamsey) and violating regulations.

The Minister said during a news conference that Akonta Mining had been connected to a number of illegal acts, including as participating in galamsey operations and breaking established mining laws.

According to Mr. Buah, the business has also been unlawfully selling concessions in the Aboi Forest to unlicensed miners for as much as GH₵300,000, sometimes in return for gold royalties.

In addition to violating protected areas, this business has turned into a criminal syndicate and is charging illegal miners GH₵300,000 per concession to gain access to the Aboi Forest Reserve.
“Worse, these illegal miners operate under Akonta’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity,” claimed Mr. Buah.

He went on to say, “As part of the agreement between Akonta Mining and the illegal miners, weekly royalties of 250 grammes of gold are to be paid to the company, lining the pockets of Akonta’s collaborators.”
In response to these claims, the business underlined in its complaint that it has two active 10-year mining leases that span the Samreboe and Abokoase areas, which are beyond the Tano Nimiri reserve, and have been in effect since 2021.

It also added complete adherence to all rules, which included paying $301,000 in land rent and mineral rights payments.
The business further insists that the Minister’s allegations of illegal activities and encroachment are unsupported by any evidence.

Based on these, Akonta Mining is requesting a court injunction to prevent additional allegedly false remarks, a retraction and public apology from the Minister, and GHC 20 million in damages for defamation.