Gov't Revokes Akonta Mining Lease, 51 Arrested in Crackdown
Samreboi, Western Region, Ghana - 21 April, 2025 - Ghana's government has revoked the mining lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd. after uncovering its involvement in illegal mining activities in protected forest reserves.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Armah-Kofi Buah revealed that the company, despite holding a license to operate outside reserves, had encroached on the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region.
The minister disclosed that Akonta Mining sold access to these reserves to illegal miners for up to GHS 300,000 per concession and received weekly royalties in gold. A joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and Forestry Commission led to the arrest of 51 individuals, seizure of 30 excavators, 2 pump action guns loaded with 5 and 2 rounds of BB cartridges each,1 single-barrel gun retrieved, 2 Toyota Hilux pickup and 1 Toyota RAV4 vehicles, 4 motorbikes and confiscation of mining equipment.
The suspects, including eight Chinese nationals, are currently in custody pending prosecution. The government has identified key individuals involved in the illicit activities, including a company liaison and two others overseeing the destruction of the forest landscape.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday April 21, Minister Buah revealed that Akonta Mining had been selling access to the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for up to GH₵300,000 per concession and demanding weekly gold royalties.
"This company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access of the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GH₵300,000 per concession.
"Worse, these illegal miners operate under Akonta’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity," Mr Buah said.
"As part of the agreement between Akonta Mining and the illegal miners, weekly royalties of 250 grams of gold are to be paid to the company, lining the pockets of Akonta’s collaborators."
The Minister has directed the Minerals Commission to revoke the company's lease and has notified security agencies to investigate officials involved.
"In light of the overwhelming evidence, I have authorised the Minerals Commission to take steps to revoke the lease of Akonta Mining Co. Ltd with immediate effect."
"I have directed that forestry officials connected to these illegalities be immediately interdicted pending further investigations and prosecution. The security agencies have been notified to investigate security officers who have had dealings with Akonta Mining in this particular Forest Reserve."
According to him, the Attorney-General has been briefed and has taken over the investigations. The Minister warned that the government would crack down on all mining concession holders involved in illegal activities, stating that "this is a warning to all large-scale mining concession holders hiding behind legal leases to fund the destruction of our forests and river bodies. We know some of your schemes – We are coming after you."
Sources indicate that illegal mining has been a persistent problem in Ghana, with many companies and individuals exploiting loopholes in the system. The government's actions demonstrate its commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting the country's environment.
Source: Lead News Online
