The Minerals Commission has confirmed it has gathered solid evidence proving that Akonta Mining Limited engaged in illegal mining activities—widely known as galamsey—within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, despite the company’s repeated public denials.
The Deputy CEO Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrew Tandoh, disclosed that the Commission’s findings are based on verified intelligence, including geolocation data and video evidence directly linking Akonta Mining to operations within protected forest zones.
“For the intelligence we have now, the conditions and the videos we have now are more than enough to go after the perpetrators.
“The Attorney General has been advised to pick up these conversations and make sure that the powers that are behind these perpetrators are brought to book.”
Isaac Andrews Tandoh, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission
In a recent press statement, Akonta Mining categorically denied all allegations.
“We wish to reiterate that our operations have been fully compliant with the Mining Act and relevant forest and environmental laws.
“At no point have we engaged in unauthorized mining within any forest reserve.”
Akonta Mining
However, Mr. Tandoh dismissed the company’s denial as nothing more than a public relations gimmick.
“People can write letters and issue rebuttals in the newspapers; that is not something I will bother my head with. This is just the beginning.
“We’ll allow the Attorney General to take over and ensure that the masterminds behind these illicit operations are dealt with in a way that deters others.”
Isaac Andrews Tandoh, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission
The Minerals Commission’s findings align with the stance of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which, on Monday, April 21, announced the revocation of Akonta Mining’s lease.
Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah stated that the company illegally extended its operations into the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region, despite only holding licenses for off-reserve areas.
Government Crackdown on Illegal Mining
The Minerals Commission and law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to curb illegal mining, signaling a wider government crackdown on companies violating environmental and mining regulations.
Mr. Tandoh stressed that enforcement mechanisms would not be deterred by corporate rebuttals or attempts to deflect blame.
“This is a warning to all large-scale mining companies attempting to hide behind legal leases to destroy our forests and rivers. We are watching, and we will act swiftly.”
Isaac Andrews Tandoh, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission
The Minister revealed that steps have been taken to ensure those behind these violations face legal consequences. The Attorney General’s office has officially begun investigations to prosecute the individuals responsible.
The Minerals Commission’s confirmation comes amid a broader crackdown on illegal mining across the country, as the government attempts to restore damaged ecosystems and protect Ghana’s rapidly depleting forest reserves.
Satellite imagery and field reports have revealed widespread deforestation and pollution of river bodies, particularly in mining-prone regions.
The revocation of Akonta Mining’s lease and the possible prosecution of its backers represent a bold statement by the government and regulatory institutions that illegal mining will not be tolerated, regardless of who is involved.
While many Ghanaians have welcomed the latest developments, there are calls for even deeper investigations into other companies and individuals involved in similar illegal activities.
Environmental groups such as A Rocha Ghana and the Ghana Wildlife Society have urged the government to publish the full investigative report and make future processes more transparent.
With legal proceedings underway and increased scrutiny on mining firms, the government’s intensified battle against galamsey signals a new era of accountability in Ghana’s natural resource sector.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s Foreign Minister Rallies West Africa to Reignite Pan-African Vision
