The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced a significant breakthrough in the government’s fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
In a press briefing held on April 21, 2025, Minister Buah revealed that Akonta Mining Company Ltd., a legally registered mining company, has been implicated in a massive illegal mining operation in the Tano Nimri forest reserve.
According to investigations, Akonta Mining Company, despite having a government lease to mine outside the forest reserve, has been selling access to the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for GHC 300,000 per concession.
The company, through its representative, Mr. Ayisi, has been negotiating fees and granting illegal access to individuals, including one “Mr. Henry” and another individual identified as “Shark.”
These illegal miners operate under Akonta mining’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity.
Minister Buah revealed that this criminal enterprise thrives due to the active collusion and connivance of some forestry officers and security personnel.
Part of the GHC 300,000 fee goes to Akonta Mining, while another portion is shared among the forestry and security officials as a “service charge” for protection and tip-offs in the event of an impending raid.
Armed with this intelligence, the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission launched an operation on Good Friday, April 17, 2025, raiding six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 51 individuals, including 8 Chinese nationals, 39 Ghanaian men, and 4 Ghanaian women. The police also seized 30 excavators, 5 pump-action guns, and various vehicles and equipment.
In light of the overwhelming evidence, Minister Buah has authorized the Minerals Commission to revoke Akonta Mining Company’s lease with immediate effect.
Forestry officials connected to these illegalities have been interdicted pending further investigations and prosecution. The security agencies have been notified to investigate security officers involved in this scandal, and the Attorney-General has taken over the investigations for further action.
Minister Armah Kofi- Buah warned that the government will not hesitate to bring to book large-scale mining concession holders who hide behind legal leases to fund the destruction of forests and river bodies. “We know some of your schemes – We are coming after you!” he emphasized.
The Minister appealed to the youth engaged in illegal mining to consider better alternatives, promising government support. However, he warned that those who persist in defiance will face the full force of the law. He also urged the media and the Ghanaian people to remain vigilant, reporting illegal mining activities and trusting that the government will act.
The government’s crackdown on illegal mining is a welcome development in the fight against environmental degradation and the protection of Ghana’s natural resources. The Minister’s commitment to uprooting galamsey and holding perpetrators accountable is clear. As the investigation continues, Ghanaians eagerly await justice and the restoration of their environment.
Source:Ayisah Foster|| Punch newspaper