Gov't revokes Akonta Mining lease

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revoked the lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd following revelations of illegal mining operations within protected forest reserves in the Western North Region.

At a press briefing in Accra on April 21, the Minister described the company’s actions as part of a “well-organized criminal syndicate” that had brazenly defied mining regulations.

Though Akonta Mining was originally licensed to operate outside forest reserves, it is alleged to have illegally encroached on the Aboi Forest Reserve near Samreboi, selling access to concessions for GHC 300,000 and collecting 250 grams of gold weekly as royalties from illegal miners.

The syndicate is believed to have enjoyed protection from compromised forestry officers and security personnel, who allegedly received bribes to turn a blind eye to the environmental destruction and unauthorized mining.

A 12-hour intelligence-led operation carried out on Good Friday resulted in the arrest of 51 suspects, including eight Chinese nationals. Authorities also seized 30 excavators, weapons, vehicles, and other mining equipment.

In response, the Minister announced the immediate revocation of Akonta’s lease, the interdiction of the implicated forestry officials, and the initiation of investigations by national security agencies and the Attorney-General’s Department.

In a related crackdown, the Ghana Police Service has intensified its anti-galamsey campaign in the region.

A separate raid in the Tano Nimri forest and along the Tano River led to the arrest of 21 additional individuals engaged in illegal mining.

This brings the total number of arrests linked to operations in the Samreboi area to 47, comprising 39 Ghanaians, eight Chinese nationals, and four Ghanaian women.

Seized equipment includes 17 excavators and a bulldozer, as law enforcement agencies continue their efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks in the area.

The first group of 26 suspects has already been transported to Accra to face prosecution.

The government’s decisive action against Akonta Mining and the broader galamsey network signals a renewed commitment to protecting Ghana’s forests and water bodies.

Authorities hope these efforts will serve as a strong deterrent and a turning point in the fight against illegal mining.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith