Don’t stop at Akonta, go after all illegal miners - Lands Minister told

The Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining is urging the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to expand its crackdown on illegal mining. They want authorities to look beyond Akonta Mining Company Limited.

Akonta Mining is heading to court. They are challenging the revocation of their mining license. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, ordered this revocation. It was based on allegations of illegal mining and regulatory breaches.

At a news conference, the Minerals Commission stated that Akonta Mining has no valid mining lease. They also lack a necessary forest entry permit for any mining activities.

Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition, emphasized that the focus should not be solely on one company. He mentioned Heritage Imperial, which received exploratory licenses but allegedly engaged in actual mining.

Dr. Ashigbey also called for investigations into political figures involved in illegal mining. He pointed out accusations against the NDC MP for Aowin by his traditional authority regarding galamsey involvement.

He added that the NDC constituency chairperson for Axim faces similar accusations from Adables Resources about galamsey involvement. These claims should be investigated thoroughly.

Dr. Ashigbey urged attention to a report by former Minister Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng. This report named individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining and deserves further scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Akonta Mining maintains it has done nothing wrong. Their lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, stated that Akonta is a legitimate mining entity.

Kubi insisted that no one from Akonta has entered any forest in Ghana illegally. He claimed they have not violated any laws regarding their mining license.

Akonta Mining is currently in court to challenge the revocation of its license and allegations of facilitating illegal mining activities within its concession.