The Minerals Commission has officially confirmed that Akonta Mining Limited engaged in illegal mining operations commonly known as galamsey within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, directly contradicting the company’s repeated public denials.
Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM on Tuesday, April 22, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Isaac Andrew Tandoh, disclosed that the Commission has obtained solid evidence, including verified geolocation data and video recordings, clearly linking the company to unauthorized activities within protected forest zones.
“We now have enough intelligence, including videos, to go after the perpetrators,” Tandoh stated. “The Attorney General has been advised to act on the evidence and bring those responsible—especially those with influence—before the law.”
Despite Akonta Mining’s insistence that it has always operated within legal parameters and had never mined in forest reserves, Mr. Tandoh dismissed those claims as deliberate public relations tactics meant to deflect blame.
“Letters and press rebuttals don’t change facts. We’re not moved by public relations. This is only the beginning,” he said. “The Attorney General will handle the rest, and we are fully committed to ensuring that all those involved in these illegal operations are held accountable, to serve as a deterrent.”
The Commission’s announcement follows closely on the heels of a related move by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who on Monday confirmed the revocation of Akonta Mining’s lease.
According to the Minister, Akonta Mining unlawfully expanded its operations into the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region, despite only having authorization to mine in non-forest areas.
