ACCRA, April 22, 2025 — The Government of Ghana has officially revoked the mining lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd. following damning revelations of the company’s involvement in illegal mining (galamsey) within protected forest reserves.
The announcement was made by Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, April 21. He cited findings from recent undercover investigations that exposed the company’s illegal activities, including unauthorized operations in the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region.
“Despite only holding a license to operate outside forest reserves, Akonta Mining was found to be deeply engaged in unlawful mining within these protected areas,” the Minister stated.
The investigations uncovered a sophisticated scheme in which the company sold access to forest concessions to illegal miners for up to GHS300,000 per concession, and allegedly collected weekly gold royalties of up to 250 grams from these operators.
The Minister identified key figures involved in the scheme:
- Mr. Ayisi, a liaison for the company who facilitated illegal deals.
- Two others, “Mr. Henry” and “Shark”, said to have coordinated destruction on the ground.
These revelations led to a major joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission on April 17, 2025 (Good Friday Eve). The targeted raid on six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining lasted 12 hours and produced significant results, especially in Compartment 49.
Operation Highlights:
- 51 arrests (including 8 Chinese nationals, 39 Ghanaian men, and 4 Ghanaian women)
- 30 excavators, with 5 impounded at the operation base
- Weapons recovered: 2 pump-action guns (loaded), 1 single-barrel gun
- Vehicles seized: 2 Toyota Hilux pickups, 1 Toyota RAV4, 4 motorbikes
- A cache of mining equipment confiscated
All suspects are currently being held in Accra pending prosecution.
The government’s move to revoke Akonta Mining’s license comes amid intensifying efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, which has devastated Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.
Akonta Mining has since denied the allegations, describing the revocation as politically motivated and a breach of natural justice. The company insists it operated within legal boundaries and called for an impartial investigation.
The developments are expected to fuel national debate over environmental stewardship, political accountability, and the broader fight against illegal mining in Ghana.
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