ACCRA, April 22, 2025 — Akonta Mining Limited has strongly denied allegations of illegal mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, following a decision by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to revoke its license.
At a press briefing on Monday, April 21, the Minister accused the company—owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi), the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)—of encroaching into forest reserves without the necessary permits. While acknowledging that Akonta Mining held a valid license to operate outside forest boundaries, the Minister alleged unlawful operations within the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region.
In a sharp rebuttal, Akonta Mining issued a statement dismissing the claims as “false and misleading,” and described the license revocation 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 declared.
Akonta Mining criticized the Minister’s actions as premature and politically charged.
“The decision to publicly accuse us and revoke 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 company said.
The firm insisted it has never received permission to enter the contested forest area and reiterated its commitment to transparency, legal compliance, and environmental responsibility.
“We wish to assure the Ghanaian public that Akonta Mining has nothing to hide. All our documents, permits, and official correspondences are available for public scrutiny,” the statement added.
The controversy unfolds amid growing public outrage over illegal mining, or “galamsey,” which continues to devastate Ghana’s forests and water bodies. The case is likely to spark further political and environmental debate in the coming weeks.
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