By Eugene Davis
The Attorney-General has taken over investigations into Akonta Mining Company Ltd. following the revocation of its mining lease, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has announced.
The Minister confirmed that Akonta Mining has no legal lease to operate in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, making its activities there both illegal and criminal. He emphasized that the current administration will pursue all legal means to hold the company accountable.
“The Attorney-General has been fully briefed and has taken over the investigation for further action,” the Minister stated. “This is a warning to all large-scale concession holders hiding behind legal leases to destroy our forests and rivers. We are coming after you!”
Investigations conducted by the government have revealed that although Akonta Mining had a lease to mine off-reserve, the company illegally entered protected forest areas, specifically the Samreboi enclave in the Western North Region.
In August 2022, Akonta was caught encroaching on forest compartments, including Aboi and Tano Nimiri, selling access to illegal miners for GHS 300,000 per concession. These operations, allegedly protected by some forestry and security officials, have led to significant environmental damage.
Undercover investigations exposed a criminal network run by Akonta representatives, including one Mr. Ayisi, who coordinated access for miners such as “Mr. Henry” and “Shark.” In return, illegal miners reportedly paid weekly royalties of 250 grams of gold to the company.
On April 17, 2025, a joint police and forestry task force raided six illegal mining sites in Compartment 49. The 12-hour operation resulted in: 51 arrests (8 Chinese, 43 Ghanaians), 30 excavators seized, Firearms recovered, Multiple vehicles and mining equipment impounded
All suspects are now in custody in Accra, awaiting prosecution.
Minister Buah also announced the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s license, citing overwhelming evidence of regulatory breaches and criminal behavior.
“I have directed the Minerals Commission to revoke Akonta Mining’s lease with immediate effect. Forestry officials involved in these illegalities will be interdicted, and security officers linked to the company will also be investigated,” he added.
