|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Government of Ghana has officially terminated the mining lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd. after uncovering the company’s extensive involvement in illegal mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—within protected forest areas.
At a press conference held in Accra on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Armah-Kofi Buah, disclosed the outcome of a recent undercover investigation. The findings revealed that although Akonta Mining had a valid license to mine in non-forest areas, it had unlawfully extended its operations into the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves located in the Western North Region, without the appropriate permits.
“The company was licensed to operate off-reserve, yet it was found conducting mining activities within forest reserves where it had no approval,” the Minister stated.
Further investigation exposed that Akonta Mining was profiting from these illegal activities by selling access to forest reserve concessions to unauthorized miners—reportedly charging as much as GHS 300,000 per site. In return, some of these miners were said to be paying the company royalties in the form of gold, up to 250 grams weekly.
Minister Buah also named individuals believed to be central to the illicit scheme. A company representative identified as Mr. Ayisi was said to have facilitated these illegal deals, while two others—referred to as “Mr. Henry” and “Shark”—were allegedly in charge of coordinating the destruction of the forested areas.
Following these revelations, a combined effort by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission was launched to crack down on the illegal operations.
“Armed with this intel, on the eve of Good Friday (17th April 2025), an intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission led to the raid of six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining,” Minister Buah reported.
He detailed the outcome of one significant raid in Compartment 49, which began at 5 a.m. and lasted for 12 hours. The operation led to:
51 arrests, including 8 Chinese nationals, 39 Ghanaian men, and 4 Ghanaian women
Seizure of approximately 30 excavators, with 5 impounded at the operation base
Recovery of two pump-action guns loaded with 5 and 2 rounds of BB cartridges, and one single-barrel gun
Confiscation of two Toyota Hilux pickups, one Toyota RAV4, four motorbikes, and a large amount of mining equipment
All individuals apprehended are currently being held in Accra and will face prosecution in accordance with the law.
Email Daily Mail GH: stories@dailymailgh.com or
Whatsapp: +233(0)509928122
