‘Would Akufo-Addo have touched Wontumi?’ – Kpebu on Akonta Mining license revocation

Private lawyer Martin Kpebu praised Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah. He commended the Minister for revoking Akonta Mining Company Ltd.'s lease. Kpebu called this decision a bold step against illegal mining.

Kpebu had previously asked the Inspector General of Police to investigate Akonta Mining. He noted that the lease revocation signifies a major shift in policy. “We just hope this is the last,” he said on TV3’s New Day.

He urged the Minister to conduct thorough investigations and ensure prosecutions follow. “Let the prosecutions flow,” he added, emphasizing the need for accountability. He mentioned that setting an example with Chairman Wontumi would deter others.

Kpebu questioned whether this move would have happened under the previous administration. “If we hadn’t changed government, would Akufo-Addo have revoked Wontumi’s license?” he asked.

On April 21, Minister Armah-Kofi Buah held a press briefing. He described a “well-organized criminal syndicate” operating under Akonta Mining. The company had legal rights for off-reserve mining but illegally encroached on protected forest reserves in Samreboi.

The Minister revealed that Akonta Mining sold access to concessions in Aboi Forest Reserve for GHC 300,000 each. They collected gold royalties weekly from illegal miners and hid their activities from authorities. This led to significant environmental damage, including harm to the Tano River.

A Good Friday operation resulted in 51 arrests, including eight Chinese nationals. Authorities seized 30 excavators, weapons, vehicles, and other mining equipment during this operation.