Akonta Mining Licences Revoked; A Bold Step In The Fight Against Galamsey
Following the revocation of Akonta Mining Company Limited’s licence in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), the Gallant Cadres of National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described the decision as a bold step, commended the President John Mahama for placing a complete ban on mining activities in all forest reserves across the country.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah gave the directive after an intelligence-led raid on six mining sites by the security agencies and Forestry Commission guards, which led to the arrest of 51 illegal miners and the confiscation of 30 excavators and other equipment in the operations at those sites.
Describing the move as a significant breakthrough in the fight against galamsey, the minister said the government was on the verge of breaking the spine of a criminal syndicate involving some Minerals Commission officials, Forestry Commission staff and security officers who allegedly had colluded with the company to perpetrate the environmental crime.
According to the Minister, “The company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access to the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GH₵300,000 per concession,” Mr Buah revealed. “Worse, these illegal miners operate under Akonta’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity.”
Read the press release issued by Gallant Cadres below:
Press Release
To All Media Houses
The Gallant Cadres of NDC
0208573712
0243179445
0598666531
Akonta Mining Licences Revoked; A Bold Step in the Fight Against Galamsey
In a landmark decision that signals a new era in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, President John Dramani Mahama has taken a bold and decisive step by placing a complete ban on mining activities in all forest reserves across the country. This move, which has been met with widespread support from environmental groups and concerned citizens, is part of a broader strategy to combat the menace of galamsey (illegal small-scale mining) that has devastated Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems over the past decade.
Under the previous government, despite promises to tackle illegal mining, the problem only worsened. For eight years, the nation watched helplessly as rivers like Ankobra, Pra, and Offin turned brown with silt and toxic waste. Communities that depended on these rivers for drinking water and farming suffered immensely, with reports linking the pollution to a rise in diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, and skin infections. While bold words were spoken, very little was done. In fact, it became an open secret that some powerful individuals within the former administration—including figures like Wontumi—were actively involved in mining operations, flouting the very laws they were supposed to enforce.
President Mahama’s recent revocation of numerous mining licenses issued under questionable circumstances by the previous regime sends a clear message: this time, things will be different. His administration is determined to restore sanity to the mining sector and protect the health and future of Ghanaian communities.
The fight against galamsey will not be easy. President Mahama himself has acknowledged this, especially given the entrenched interests and deep political connections of some illegal mining operators. But his promise to hold his own appointees accountable if they are found to be involved in galamsey sets a precedent that has rarely been seen in Ghana’s political landscape.
Key Measures and Solutions Proposed by Gallant Cadre of NDC:
Strict Enforcement of the Ban: Armed security task forces will be deployed to monitor forest reserves and river bodies, ensuring that the ban is not flouted. Drones and satellite monitoring will be used to detect illegal operations in real-time.
Community Engagement and Alternative Livelihoods: Galamsey has thrived partly because of poverty and unemployment. The government plans to roll out programs that provide alternative livelihoods—such as agriculture, aquaculture, and eco-tourism—for youth and communities dependent on mining.
Transparent Licensing Regime: A complete overhaul of the licensing system will be carried out to ensure that only environmentally responsible and technically capable firms are given the right to mine—and even then, only in approved, non-sensitive areas.
Environmental Reclamation Fund: President Mahama will establish a fund sourced from mining royalties and international environmental support agencies, dedicated to restoring lands, replanting trees, and cleaning up polluted rivers.
Accountability and Prosecution: A special prosecutorial unit will be set up to deal with environmental crimes, including illegal mining. High-profile individuals, no matter their political affiliation, will be prosecuted if found culpable.
Technological Support and Education: Miners will be trained on safer, legal, and environmentally friendly mining methods. Additionally, schools and local leaders will be involved in campaigns to create a culture of environmental responsibility.
There is no illusion that the road ahead will be smooth.
As it has been confirmed that Akonta Mining is illegal and is into illegal mining in the Forest.With this statement issued by the Minerals Commission to confirm that Akonta Mining was operating illegally in the Tano Forest Reserve, what is the next step? Prosecution and subsequent sentencing. Is the government gonna apply the laws to ensure that the Directors and CEO of Akonta Mining are penalized? As usual, will Wontumi and his gang who own the company be left to walk freely while their poor arrested employees be jailed instead? We are all monitoring this case closely from afar. The galamsey fight will be meaningless if swift action is not taken on this matter.
The interests involved in galamsey are powerful and often dangerous. But for the millions of Ghanaians who have suffered due to polluted water, failed crops, and disease, this bold stand by President Mahama represents a glimmer of hope.
Ghanaians are watching—and for the first time in years, many believe that real change is possible.
Comrade Richard E A Sarpong, Father Casford. The PRO, 0208573712
Ohemaa Akosua Borngreat, Deputy PRO, 0243179445
Mr F Kadan, Secretary. 0242776040
Mr Kweku Appiah, Deputy Secretary. 0244458812
Mr Carrick Kpeglo, Chairman. 0598666531
Source: NewsAfricaGhana.com
