After Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, revoked Akonta Mining Limited‘s licence, the company denied accusations that it was involved in illicit mining operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
During a news conference on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Minister charged that Akonta Mining, which is controlled by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was engaging in illegal activities within forest reserves without the required permits.
The Minister clarified that the company had infringed on the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region, despite having a valid licence to operate outside of forest reserves.
In response, Akonta Mining released a statement calling the accusations “false and misleading” and characterising the license revocation as an infringement on natural justice.
Activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve are not under our control. The Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources alone are in charge of it, the business said.
Putting the responsibility on a private enterprise that has never been allowed access to the aforementioned forest area is quite alarming, according to official agencies.
“It is not only unfair, but it is also a blatant violation of natural justice and a politically motivated act for the Minister to publicly accuse us and demand the cancellation of our licence without conducting any investigation or hearing,” the statement continued.
Akonta Mining also reaffirmed its dedication to following the law and keeping its business practices transparent.
“We would like to reassure the people of Ghana that Akonta Mining has nothing to conceal. We are still dedicated to openness, adherence to the law, and environmental stewardship. The public has access to all of our records, licenses, and official communications,” the business stated.
Concern over illicit mining and its destructive effects on Ghana’s forests and waterways has increased nationwide, which coincides with the revocation and the company’s response.
