Lands Minister Moves to Revoke Akonta Mining Permit Amid Illegal Mining Concerns

Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has taken decisive action against Akonta Mining Company Limited, ordering the immediate revocation of all mining licenses held by the company. The decision comes in the wake of damning allegations linking the company to illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as “galamsey”, and gross violations of environmental and mining laws.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Minister revealed that Akonta Mining has been engaged in unauthorized mining operations in protected forest reserves, particularly the Aboi Forest. The company, he said, has also been implicated in the illicit sale of mining concessions to unlicensed operators, many of whom are suspected illegal miners.

According to Mr. Buah, investigations uncovered that Akonta Mining had been illegally allocating parts of the Aboi Forest Reserve to these miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession. In some instances, the payments were not in cash, but in gold royalties—250 grams weekly—paid directly to Akonta Mining in exchange for continued access and protection.

“This company has evolved into a criminal enterprise. It has no legal right to operate within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve or any protected zone,” the Minister said. “What we have uncovered is a shocking and deeply disturbing network of illegal mining operations, with Akonta Mining at the center.”

Mr. Buah further alleged that these illegal miners were operating under the protection and tacit approval of Akonta Mining, devastating large portions of forest and polluting critical water bodies such as the River Tano. He described the damage as “environmental vandalism of the highest order,” and emphasized that the company’s actions were not isolated incidents but part of a larger, well-coordinated scheme.

In response to the findings, the Minister has instructed the Minerals Commission to begin the process of revoking all licenses and leases issued to Akonta Mining Company Limited with immediate effect. This includes any licenses previously granted for operations outside protected areas.

In addition to the revocation order, disciplinary measures are being taken against government officials believed to have aided or abetted these illegal activities. Mr. Buah announced that several forestry officers suspected of complicity will be interdicted pending the outcome of further investigations. “We are not only going after the company but also the public officials who may have facilitated or turned a blind eye to these crimes,” he stated.

The matter has also been escalated to the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who has been briefed and is now overseeing the legal investigation. Security agencies have also been tasked with probing the involvement of security personnel allegedly linked to Akonta Mining’s activities in the forest reserve.

Mr. Buah did not mince words in warning other mining companies engaged in similar misconduct. “Let this serve as a clear and unambiguous warning: the era of hiding behind legal permits to commit environmental crimes is over. We know your tactics, and we are coming after you.”

The scandal has reignited public outcry and calls for greater accountability, with civil society activists and legal practitioners such as Martin Kpebu and Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey renewing demands for the prosecution of Akonta Mining and any political figures connected to its operations. The company has previously been linked to Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, although he has consistently denied wrongdoing.

This bold move by the Lands Minister signals a renewed commitment by the government to combat illegal mining, protect Ghana’s forests, and restore confidence in the rule of law within the mining sector.