The Minerals Commission has confirmed it has gathered solid evidence proving that Akonta Mining Limited engaged in illegal mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, despite the company’s repeated public denials.
In an interview on Tuesday, April 22, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Isaac Andrew Tandoh, revealed that their findings are backed by verified intelligence, including geolocation data and video evidence directly linking Akonta Mining to operations inside protected forest zones.
“With the intelligence and video evidence we have, there’s more than enough to take action. The Attorney General has been advised to proceed and ensure those behind these illegal activities face justice,” he stated.
Akonta Mining has denied any wrongdoing, claiming it operates within the law and has never mined in forest reserves.
But the commission has dismissed the company’s statement as a mere public relations move.
“People can write letters and issue rebuttals in the newspapers; that is not something I will bother my head with, that will trouble me.
“This is just the beginning. We’ll allow the Attorney General to take over and ensure that the masterminds behind these illicit operations are dealt with in a way that deters others,” Mr Tandoh said.
The Commission’s stance echoes that of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which on Monday, April 21, revoked Akonta Mining’s lease.
Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah disclosed that the company had illegally extended its operations into the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region, even though it was only licensed to mine in off-reserve areas.
The revelations are part of a broader government crackdown on illegal mining activities threatening Ghana’s forest reserves and natural resources.