Akonta Mining Company Limited has issued a strong defense against what it describes as a politically motivated smear campaign, following the government’s decision to revoke its mining licenses over alleged illegal mining activities.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, announced on Monday that all leases granted to Akonta Mining would be immediately revoked, citing extensive illegal operations in protected forest reserves, including allegations that the company had been selling parts of the Aboi Forest Reserve to unauthorized miners.
The company has categorically denied the accusations and described the government’s move as dishonest and a calculated political attack.
Legal Concession
According to Akonta Mining, it operates under a legally acquired large-scale mining lease that was properly approved by the Minerals Commission and ratified by the appropriate state institutions.
The company claims that the lease only covers specific portions of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, contrary to public statements suggesting they have unlawfully taken over the entire forest.
“Akonta Mining is not an illegal miner. The lease we operate under is legitimate, and all documentation is available for verification,” a company spokesperson said in a statement released Tuesday morning.
Under Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), companies must go through a multilayered approval process before obtaining a mining license.
This includes application to the Minerals Commission, an Environmental Impact Assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency, community consultation, ministerial approval, and ratification.
Akonta says it has satisfied all these legal requirements.
No Ongoing Mining
The company also noted that no active mining operations are currently being carried out anywhere in Ghana.
Operations have been voluntarily suspended to prioritize environmental reclamation, including the planting of over 16,000 coconut trees on previously mined land — a project Akonta describes as a national model for environmental responsibility.
“We are focused on land regeneration, not extraction. Unlike many companies that abandon degraded land, Akonta is reinvesting in sustainability and community recovery,” the company asserted.
Disputing Links to Illegal Activities
In response to reports that equipment and individuals were arrested during a security operation in Samreboi, Akonta insists there is no connection to the 26 individuals apprehended, nor to any of the machinery that was seized.
“None of the excavators or equipment taken by authorities can be linked to Akonta. The arrested individuals have no employment records with us,” the company maintained, calling the allegations both misleading and unsupported by evidence.
Denial of Selling Forest Lands
Perhaps the most serious allegation — that Akonta has been selling parts of the Aboi Forest Reserve for GH₵300,000 per concession to illegal miners in exchange for weekly gold royalties — was flatly denied.
“At no point has Akonta sold, leased, or informally surrendered any of its legally acquired lands to galamseyers,” the company said. “These claims are entirely fabricated and have no basis in fact.”
Akonta maintains that such actions would be inconsistent with their core operational values and understanding of the legal risks and reputational damage such misconduct would entail.
Wontumi’s Role and Political Undercurrent
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, who owns the company, has also come under heavy criticism.
However, the company stated that he is not involved in any active mining, either directly or indirectly.
A licensed mining operator, Wontumi, they argue, understands the legal consequences of engaging in illegal mining and would never risk violating regulations, especially given the current political landscape where his party is out of power.
Supporters of the company have labeled the government’s actions as a political vendetta aimed at damaging Wontumi’s reputation and influence.
“This is not about protecting our forests. It is a calculated political operation designed to discredit Chairman Wontumi,” the company spokesperson alleged. “Akonta Mining is being targeted because it chose to operate legally, responsibly, and independently.”
Willingness to Cooperate
Despite their strong opposition to the government’s actions, Akonta Mining says it is open to any official probe into its operations.
Management has pledged full cooperation with the Minerals Commission, the Forestry Commission, and national security agencies if further investigations are launched.
“We have nothing to hide. Our records are available. Let the facts speak for themselves,” the company stated.
–BY Daniel Bampoe
