Galamsey: Forestry Commission vows to sanction staff aiding illegal miners

The Forestry Commission will investigate staff involved with illegal miners.

This decision follows claims by Minister Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah. He stated that some commission staff collude with illegal miners, harming the environment.

Elikem Kotoku, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, confirmed the investigations. He emphasized that any officers involved will face thorough scrutiny and punishment.

Kotoku stated, “We must abide by our ethics. Anyone acting otherwise will be dealt with.”

On April 21, the Lands Minister revoked Akonta Mining Company Ltd.'s mining lease. This action followed findings of the company's illegal activities in protected forest reserves.

In a press conference, he shared results from undercover investigations. These revealed that Akonta Mining operated unlawfully in forest reserves without permits.

Although Akonta holds a license for off-reserve operations, it encroached on Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in Western North Region.

Investigations showed that Akonta Mining sold access to these reserves to illegal miners for GHS 300,000 per concession. In return, some miners allegedly paid weekly royalties in gold, up to 250 grams, to the company.