Gov't moves to revoke Akonta mining lease over creating a 'criminal' illegal mining syndicate

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining. This illegal activity is commonly known as galamsey. He exposed a "criminal syndicate" operating under Akonta Mining Company Ltd.

During a media briefing in Accra on Monday, the Minister shared details about Akonta Mining's illegal activities. The company holds a lease to mine outside forest reserves. However, it has been caught mining unlawfully within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.

“Akonta Mining does not have a lease to mine in Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve,” Mr. Buah stated. “Their activities there are not only illegal but criminal.” Investigations showed that Akonta Mining encroached on protected forest compartments 49 and 121.

They sold illegal access to parts of the Aboi Forest Reserve for GHC 300,000 per concession. They also offered protection to illegal miners in exchange for weekly gold royalties. The syndicate included representatives known as “Mr. Ayisi,” “Mr. Henry,” and “Shark.”

These individuals coordinated deals with some forestry and security officers allegedly receiving portions of the proceeds. “There is a well-oiled machinery of destruction, aided by some public officials,” Buah revealed.

On April 17—Good Friday—a joint team from the Ghana Police Service and Forestry Commission raided six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining. The 12-hour operation in Compartment 49 resulted in 51 arrests, including eight Chinese nationals.

Authorities seized 30 excavators (five were impounded), weapons, vehicles, motorcycles, and various mining equipment. In response, the Minister directed the Minerals Commission to revoke Akonta Mining’s lease immediately.

He also called for an investigation into forestry officials involved in these illegal activities. Security personnel implicated will also face investigations.

The Attorney-General has been briefed and is leading further inquiries into this matter. Mr. Buah issued a stern warning to other licensed mining firms engaging in unlawful activities: “We are coming after you.”

“This government will not rest until every financier and enabler of galamsey faces justice,” he added. He urged the Ghanaian public and media to remain vigilant against illegal mining activities.

“We will not stop until galamsey is completely uprooted,” he concluded. “We want our waters blue, our forests green, and our country healed.”