The Minerals Commission has issued a statement regarding Akonta Mining Limited’s claim of having a valid mining lease in an area located outside the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The Commission’s attention was drawn to the matter following a press conference held by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, which stated that the Company was involved in illegal mining activities in the forest reserve.
According to the Commission, Akonta mining, owned by Chairman Wontumi, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP was granted a reconnaissance license over an area of 135.87 square kilometers in Samreboi on June 15, 2011, for a term of one year. When the reconnaissance license expired, Akonta mining was granted a prospecting license over the same area of land on December 31, 2012, for a term of two years. The Company later applied for three different mining leases, which were granted on July 23, 2021, for ten years. However, these mining leases are not within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve and have not been ratified.
The Commission emphasized that for any lawful mining operation to be undertaken, a company must have a ratified mining lease, an environmental permit issued by the Environmental Protection Authority, and an operating permit issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines of the Commission. Additionally, a Forest Entry Permit is required if mining activities are to be undertaken in a forest.
The Commission’s records show that Akonta applied for a prospecting license to prospect for minerals in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, but the application was later withdrawn. The Company also applied for a mining lease over a portion of the Forest Reserve on August 25, 2022, but the application was not signed by the previous Minister.
Currently, Akonta has no mining lease to mine in the forest, nor does it have a forest entry permit to enter and undertake any mining operations or activities.
The Minerals Commission has made it clear that Akonta Mining Limited does not have the necessary permits or authorizations to undertake mining operations lawfully in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve or in the areas covering the three leases located outside the forest reserve.
Any activity or operation conducted by the Company in these areas constitutes illegal mining.
The Commission’s statement aims to inform the public of the facts surrounding Akonta’s operations and to emphasize the importance of adhering to the relevant laws and regulations governing mining activities in Ghana.
