Government Revokes Akonta Mining Lease, Launches Crackdown on Galamsey Syndicate

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced a sweeping crackdown on illegal mining activities, including the immediate revocation of the lease held by Akonta Mining Company Ltd.

The move follows a major undercover investigation which exposed the company’s deep involvement in orchestrating illegal mining operations within protected forest reserves.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, the Minister declared the government’s unwavering resolve to eradicate illegal mining, describing it as “an environmental sin against humanity and God.” He reiterated the Mahama administration’s commitment to transparency and periodic public updates on its fight against galamsey.

Illegal Mining Network Uncovered

Hon. Buah disclosed that although Akonta Mining was legally licensed to mine off-reserve, it had been operating unlawfully in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region. Investigations revealed the company sublet protected forest compartments to illegal miners for as much as GHC 300,000 per concession, enabling widespread environmental destruction.

The operation was facilitated by a network of collaborators, including:

• Mr. Ayisi, an Akonta Mining representative, who served as a liaison and fee negotiator.

  

• Sublease operators such as “Mr. Henry” and “Shark,” who supervised the destruction of the Aboi Forest Reserve and the Tano River.

• Forestry officials and security personnel accused of accepting bribes and providing protection for these illegal activities.

“The company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but transformed itself into a criminal syndicate,” the Minister said, adding that the scale of destruction and collusion is “heartbreaking.”

Good Friday Raid Yields Major Arrests

An intelligence-led operation on April 17, 2025—the eve of Good Friday—resulted in a successful raid on six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining. The joint task force, comprising the Ghana Police Service and Forestry Commission, conducted a 12-hour operation in Compartment 49, yielding:

• 51 arrests: 8 Chinese nationals, 39 Ghanaian men, and 4 women

• Seizure of 30 excavators, 5 of which were impounded

• Weapons retrieved: 2 pump-action guns, a single-barrel gun, and BB cartridges

• Vehicles seized: 2 Toyota Hilux pickups, a Toyota RAV4, 4 motorbikes

• A cache of mining equipment

All suspects have been transported to Accra and are in custody awaiting prosecution.

Immediate Sanctions and Legal Action

In response to the findings, Hon. Buah announced a series of swift actions:

• Immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s lease

• Interdiction of implicated forestry officials

• Notification of security agencies to investigate officers involved

• Referral of the case to the Attorney-General for further prosecution

“This government will stop at nothing to bring this company and its enablers to book,” he said.

A Warning to the Industry

The Minister issued a stern warning to other large-scale mining companies abusing legal leases to fund illegal mining activities.

“We know some of your schemes – we are coming after you,” he said. He also extended a message to the youth involved in galamsey: “There is a better way. We are ready to support you, but for those who persist, the state will act without mercy.”

Call to Action

Hon. Buah concluded by calling on the media and the public to remain vigilant and report illegal mining activities. He vowed that the government would not relent until the country’s rivers and forests are restored.

“We will not stop until our waters run blue. We will not stop until our forests are green again. We will not stop until every financier and enabler of galamsey faces the full rigors of the law.”

The Minister then opened the floor to questions from journalists.