Akonta Mining Limited has denied allegations of engaging in illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, following the revocation of its license by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
At a press briefing held on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Minister accused Akonta Mining—owned by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—of operating unlawfully within forest reserves without the necessary permits.
The Minister explained that while the company holds a valid license to operate outside forest reserves, it had encroached upon the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region.
In response, Akonta Mining issued a statement rejecting the allegations as “false and misleading” and described the revocation of its license as a breach of natural justice.
“We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources,” the company stated.
“It is deeply concerning that state institutions are shifting blame onto a private company that has never been granted access to the said forest area.
“The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair — it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act,” the statement added.
Akonta Mining also reiterated its commitment to operating within the law and maintaining transparency in its operations.
“We wish to assure the Ghanaian public that Akonta Mining has nothing to hide. We remain committed to transparency, legal compliance, and environmental responsibility. All our documents, permits, and official correspondences are available for public scrutiny,” the company said
The revocation and the company’s response come amid heightened national concern over illegal mining and its devastating impact on Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
PRESS RELEASE
RE: FALSE ACCUSATIONS AND POLITICAL TARGETING OF AKONTA MINING BY HON. EMMANUEL ARMAH-KOFI BUAH
The Management of Akonta Mining Company Limited has noted with grave concern the reckless and baseless accusations made against our company by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during a recent press conference.
The Honourable Minister’s decision to publicly link Akonta Mining to illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, and to call for the revocation of our mining license, is not only unjust and premature, but also a clear case of seeking to hang the dog and give it a bad name.
Let it be stated on record and without ambiguity:
1. Akonta Mining is a lawfully registered large-scale mining company, operating under valid leases and permits granted by the Minerals Commission. Our concessions are located in Samreboi and Abokoase — and not in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
2. In 2022, the Minerals Commission clearly stated in an official press release that:
“Akonta Mining Limited has NO mining lease, mineral right, and/or permit to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.”
3. Our application for access to the forest reserve was never granted. Official letters from both the Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission, dated 7th and 8th September 2022, confirm that no entry permit was issued to Akonta Mining for that forest area.
4. Contrary to the narrative being pushed, we are not mining — and have never mined — in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
5. In fact, our commitment to environmental responsibility is well documented. In a letter dated 29th April 2021, addressed to the Chairman of the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Akonta Mining formally expressed our gratitude for the removal of illegal miners from our concession and outlined our intent to embark on a six-month backfilling and reclamation exercise to close the dangerous pits left behind by illegal miners — even before commencing full-scale operations.
“Although this is estimated to cost the company hugely, we consider it as imperative to ensure a responsible mining project that will protect both the community and the environment,” the letter stated.
6. As part of that commitment, over 18,000 coconut trees have already been planted, with 32,000 more expected to be planted as part of a comprehensive reclamation effort.
7. Allegations that we took GHC350,000 from illegal miners to allow access to our concession are entirely false, defamatory, and mischievous. We challenge anyone making this claim to provide evidence.
8. The suggestion that one Mr. Ayisi is a liaison between Akonta Mining and illegal mining syndicates is also completely false. We vehemently deny any knowledge or association with this individual. He does not represent, work for, or act on behalf of Akonta Mining in any capacity.
9. We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. It is deeply concerning that state institutions are shifting blame onto a private company that has never been granted access to the said forest area.
10. The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair — it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.
We wish to assure the Ghanaian public that Akonta Mining has nothing to hide. We remain committed to transparency, legal compliance, and environmental responsibility. All our documents, permits, and official correspondences are available for public scrutiny.
Even a simple Google Earth review will reveal the geographical disconnect between our concessions and the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve — making the claims against us not only scandalous but also factually indefensible.
Akonta Mining will cooperate with any legitimate investigation and take all necessary legal steps to defend its reputation.
We ask for fairness. We demand justice. And we stand by the truth.
SIGNED:
MANAGEMENT
AKONTA MINING COMPANY LIMITED
Date: [Insert Date]
Source: citinewsroom
