The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has directed the Forestry Commission to halt mining firm, Akonta Mining Limited’s operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest.

According to the Ministry, it has taken note of publications about certain operations by Akonta Mining Limited in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Amenfi West Municipality in the Western Region. It revealed that even though Akonta Mining Limited has a mining lease to undertake mining operations in some parts of Samreboi, outside the Forest Reserve, “the company has no mineral right to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve”.

Contained in a statement issued on September 30, the sector minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, directed the Forestry Ministry to, “forthwith, ensure that the company does not carry out any operation in the Forest and to take the necessary action against any person found culpable in this matter”.

The ministry noted that records show that Akonta Mining Ltd, on August 25, 2022, applied for a Mining Lease to undertake mining operations in the said Forest Reserve. However, by a Ministerial Directive, all “reconnaissance, prospecting and/or exploratory activities in Forest Reserves in the country are suspended”, except in exceptional circumstances.

“Although this directive does not affect mining in Forest Reserves, Akonta Mining Limited’s application has not been determined. Accordingly, any alleged activity being undertaken by the company in the Forest Reserve is illegal.”
Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources

The Ministry expressed its commitment to dealing with the menace of illegal mining in Ghana, popularly known as ‘galamsey’ with integrity and transparency. It further assured the general public that it will continue to work with the relevant agencies and all stakeholders to come to grips with this age-old galamsey menace.

Addressing the problem of galamsey

Government has over the years sought to nip the menace of illegal mining in the past with little progress as water bodies are being destroyed and farmlands leads for the activity. Meanwhile, a Civil Society Organisation, OccupyGhana, has blamed the increasing scourge of ‘galamsey’ on what it says is government’s “sheer inability, total unpreparedness and blatant unwillingness” to enforce the mining laws of the country.

The Group indicated that it is “befuddled and dumbstruck” at the “government’s absolute impotence” to enforce the mining laws despite the severe destruction of lands and various water bodies caused by ‘galamsey’.

OccupyGhana explained that every institution needed to enforce the mining law that exists in the country, hence, government has no pertinent explanation as to why the mining laws are not enforced.

The group believes this action by the government is a testament to the allegations that government officials are neck-deep in ‘galamsey’ activities.

“There are chiefs in all of those towns and villages where the plunder happens. These people cannot feign ignorance and pretend to be innocent in this matter. What is going on defies reason and only gives support and credence to the popular rumour or belief that the very persons who should be fighting this crime, are rather those involved in and benefitting from it.”
Occupy Ghana

OccupyGhana noted that the President’s promise on July 10, 2017, to put his “presidency on the line for the galamsey fight” are mere words.