Ghana’s government has taken firm action against Akonta Mining Company Ltd., which is purportedly owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti regional chairman. Since the company’s mining operations in the protected Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve are illegal, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has instructed the Minerals Commission to immediately cancel the company’s mining lease.
In an Accra media appearance, the Minister underlined that Akonta Mining’s activities within the forest reserve were unlawful and a clear breach of Ghana’s mining regulations. He also directed the Forestry Commission to impose an injunction on any officials who were discovered to have enabled these illegal actions.
This action is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s steadfast resolve to end unlawful mining, or “galamsey,” which has had a negative environmental impact on the country. Akonta Mining has been identified as a major offender, and the government has pledged to track down and prosecute the financiers behind these enterprises.
According to investigations, Akonta Mining caused significant environmental damage by encroaching on the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without the required licenses. According to reports, the business had six illegal mining operations inside the area.
The Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission conducted an intelligence-driven operation on April 17, 2025, which led to the arrest of 51 people, including 43 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals. As a result of the operation, some 30 excavators, guns, cars, motorcycles, and other mining equipment were seized.
In addition to ordering the Forestry Commission to suspend personnel involved in the illegal actions, the Minister has given the Minerals Commission permission to cancel Akonta Mining’s permits. He emphasized that regardless of a person or organization’s stature, the government will not hold back from naming, shame, and prosecuting those engaged in illegal mining.
All mining corporations operating in Ghana are strongly cautioned by this action to strictly abide by the country’s mining laws and regulations. against preserve the nation’s natural resources for coming generations, the government is firm in its stance against illegal mining.
Source: gbcghanaonline.com
