The government has revoked the mining lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd. after damning revelations of the company’s illegal mining operations within protected forest reserves in the Western North Region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Armah-Kofi Buah, said recent undercover investigations revealed that Akonta Mining was unlawfully operating in the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves—despite not having the necessary permits.
“Akonta Mining does not have a lease to mine in the Tano Nimiri Forest reserve, and their mining activities in the forest are illegal and criminal,” the Minister declared. “The Mahama government will stop at nothing to bring the company to book.”
Although the company holds a license to mine off-reserve, it allegedly encroached protected lands, selling access to illegal miners for as much as GHS 300,000 per concession. Some of these miners, the Minister said, paid weekly royalties of up to 250 grams of gold to Akonta Mining.
Mr. Buah named individuals involved in the illicit operation, including a company liaison identified as Mr. Ayisi, and two others known only as “Mr. Henry” and “Shark,” who reportedly supervised the on-ground destruction of the forest landscape.
Investigations also revealed a network of collusion involving some forestry officers and security personnel, who received bribes in exchange for protection and advance notice of planned raids.
“These officers take a cut as a service charge in exchange for protection and tip-offs,” the Minister disclosed.
The revelations led to an intelligence-led operation on the eve of Good Friday, April 17, 2025. A combined team from the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission raided six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining.
The 12-hour operation in Compartment 49 yielded:
51 arrests (8 Chinese nationals, 39 Ghanaian men, and 4 Ghanaian women)
Seizure of about 30 excavators, with 5 impounded at the base
2 pump-action guns loaded with BB cartridges, and 1 single-barrel gun
Confiscation of 2 Toyota Hilux pickups, 1 Toyota RAV4, 4 motorbikes, and a cache of mining equipment
All suspects have since been transported to Accra and remain in custody pending prosecution.
“In light of the overwhelming evidence, I have authorized the Minerals Commission to revoke the lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd. with immediate effect,” Minister Buah announced.
He also directed that forestry officials implicated in the scandal be interdicted, pending investigations. Security personnel found to have collaborated with the illegal operations will also face scrutiny. The Attorney-General has taken over the investigation for further legal action.
The Minister emphasized that the government will not relent in its efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the country’s natural resources.
“To all large-scale mining concession holders hiding behind legal leases to destroy our forests and rivers—we are coming after you,” the Minister warned.
He appealed to the youth engaged in galamsey to seek alternative livelihoods, stating, “There is a better way, and the government stands ready to support you.”
In a passionate appeal to Ghanaians and the media, he urged vigilance and collaboration: “We will not stop until galamsey is completely uprooted. We will not stop until our waters run blue and our forests turn green. We will not stop until every financier, every enabler—faces the full rigors of the law.”
