The land minister ordered Akonta Mining’s licence to be immediately revoked due to Galamsey.

Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has ordered that Akonta Mining Company Limited’s mining permits be immediately revoked.
This comes after the mining company was accused of engaging in unlawful mining operations (galamsey) and violating regulations.

The Minister said during a news conference on Monday, April 21, that Akonta Mining has been connected to a number of illegal acts, such as participating in galamsey operations and breaking established mining laws.

According to Mr. Buah’s shocking disclosure, the business has also been unlawfully selling concessions in the Aboi Forest to unlicensed miners for as much as GH₵300,000, and occasionally 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.”

According to the Minister, he has ordered that all mining licenses granted to Akonta Mining Company be immediately revoked.

“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.”
“I have ordered the immediate interdiction of forestry authorities involved in these crimes while more enquiries and judicial action are conducted. To look into security personnel who have interacted with Akonta Mining in this specific Forest Reserve, the security agencies have been alerted.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, has also been briefed and has taken over the investigations for additional action, the Lands Minister continued.

He pointed out that Akonta Mining’s mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest reserve are unlawful and criminal, and the company does not have a lease to do so.

“This serves as a warning to all major mining concession holders who are using legitimate leases as a cover to finance the devastation of our rivers and forests. We are pursuing you because we are aware of some of your scams.