Akonta Mining rejects galamsey allegations, accuses Lands Minister of political motive

Akonta Mining Company Limited has denied allegations of engaging in illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, describing the accusations leveled against it by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, as politically motivated and a breach of natural justice.

The company’s response follows the Minister’s directive on Monday, April 21, 2025, ordering the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s license.

The Minister had alleged that the company owned by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, was operating unlawfully within protected forest zones in the Western North Region, specifically the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves.

According to the Minister, although Akonta Mining holds a valid license for operations outside protected areas, it had encroached upon forest reserves without the necessary permits.

In a press release, Akonta Mining has rejected these claims outright, calling them reckless and baseless

“The Honourable Minister’s decision to publicly link Akonta Mining to illegal mining activities and to call for the revocation of our mining license is not only unjust and premature, but also a clear case of seeking to hang the dog and give it a bad name.”

The company clarified that it does not operate in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve and has never operated there. It added that its request for access to the area had been formally rejected by the Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission as far back as 2022.

“We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources,” the statement said. “It is deeply concerning that state institutions are shifting blame onto a private company that has never been granted access to the said forest area.”

Akonta Mining also denied reports that it had accepted GH¢350,000 from illegal miners and has further challenged anyone with evidence to come forward.

“We vehemently deny any knowledge or association with one Mr. Ayisi, who is falsely alleged to be linked to us,” it added.

Highlighting its environmental responsibility, the company noted ongoing reclamation efforts, including the planting of over 18,000 coconut trees, with plans to plant an additional 32,000.

“Although this is estimated to cost the company hugely, we consider it as imperative to ensure a responsible mining project that will protect both the community and the environment,” the company stated.

Akonta Mining reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate with any legitimate investigation and urged the government and public to uphold the principles of fairness and justice.

“We wish to assure the Ghanaian public that Akonta Mining has nothing to hide. We remain committed to transparency, legal compliance, and environmental responsibility. All our documents, permits, and official correspondences are available for public scrutiny.”

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