Akonta Mining Has Become A Criminal Syndicate -Armah Buah

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has labelled Akonta Mining Company Ltd. as a “criminal syndicate.”

At a press briefing in Accra on Monday, 21st April, 2025 the Minister announced a major breakthrough in the government’s sustained crackdown on illegal mining operations, citing a well-orchestrated criminal operation run by Akonta Mining Company Ltd. as a prime example of how illegal mining has been embedded in the fabric of corruption, environmental destruction and elite impunity.

“Akonta Mining has become a criminal syndicate, selling access to the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GHC 300,000 per concession.

“These illegal miners are protected by Akonta and have devastated the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity,” Armah-Kofi Buah revealed.

He added that the government’s resolve is firm and unwavering. “Let me be clear: We will not stop until galamsey is completely uprooted. We will not stop until our waters run blue, we will not stop until our forests are turned green and we will not stop until the soul of our country is healed.”

The minister detailed findings from an undercover investigation which exposed a chain of criminal operations linked to Akonta Mining.

Despite having a legal lease to operate outside of forest reserves, the company allegedly trespassed into protected areas in the Samreboi enclave of the Western North Region and turned the forest into a galamsey hub.

The investigation uncovered that the company, through one Mr Ayisi – identified as Akonta’s liaison, was actively subleasing forest concessions to illegal miners like “Mr. Henry” and “Shark.”

These miners, under a profit-sharing agreement, paid weekly royalties in the form of 250 grams of gold to Akonta Mining.

According to the minister, the criminal network extended to some officials of the Forestry Commission and security personnel, who allegedly received portions of the illegal fees in exchange for protection and tip-offs on raids.

“This is not just environmental degradation. This is economic sabotage. This is theft. This is treason against our environment and our people,” the Minister charged.

The minister confirmed that an intelligence-led operation conducted on the eve of Good Friday (April 17, 2025) led to a massive raid of six illegal mining sites affiliated with Akonta Mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

In response to the revelations, Armah-Kofi Buah said the Minerals Commission has been directed to immediately revoke Akonta Mining’s lease, adding that the Attorney-General has taken over the investigation to ensure a thorough and impartial legal process.

Furthermore, all implicated forestry officials are to be interdicted, while security officers linked to the operation are under investigation.

“This is a warning to all large-scale mining concession holders hiding behind legal leases to fund the destruction of our forests and river bodies. We know some of your schemes; we are coming after you,” he cautioned.

The Minister appealed to the media and the general public to remain vigilant and report illegal mining operations to the appropriate authorities.

“To the youth engaged in illegal mining: there is a better way,” he said. “We are ready to support you with better alternatives. But to those who persist in defiance, the state will act without mercy.”

He concluded the emotional address with a rallying call that has since become a bold declaration of intent from the Mahama administration:

“We will not stop until every financier, every enabler, the real architects of this destruction, will face the full rigours of the law. We will name, shame, and prosecute them publicly.”

 

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