The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has directed the Minerals Commission to revoke the license of Akonta Mining, a Ghanaian mining firm, with immediate effect. The decision follows allegations of criminal activities by the company in the Tano Nimri Forest, including selling portions of the forest to illegal miners.
The Minister described Akonta Mining as a “criminal syndicate” and revealed that personnel from the Forestry Commission had connived with company officials to undertake the illegal enterprise. An undercover investigation uncovered a network of individuals involved in the operation, including a representative from Akonta Mining who negotiated fees and granted illegal access to the forest.
The Minister announced that officials from the Forestry Commission implicated in the scandal have been interdicted pending investigations and prosecution. The Attorney-General has also been notified and has taken over the investigations for further action. The government has reiterated its commitment to dealing decisively with anyone found to have flouted the country’s mining laws.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
