Galamsey: Prosecute Akonta Mining directors – Kpebu to Kofi Buah

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has called for the prosecution of officials from Akonta Mining Company following the revocation of their mining lease.

This comes on the back of a directive to the Minerals Commission to immediately revoke the license of Akonta Mining for engaging in acts that not only flout the country’s mining regulations but are also criminal.

Speaking at an emergency press conference on Monday, April 21, 2025, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Armah-Buah, described Akonta Mining as a ‘criminal syndicate’ that has allegedly sold portions of the Tano Nimri Forest to illegal miners, contrary to the country’s mining laws.

“I have authorized the Minerals Commission to take steps to revoke the lease of Akonta Mining Co. Ltd with immediate effect,” he said.

“We gathered a team of investigators to go undercover to make enquiries about the details of this operation. Our undercover team uncovered a well-oiled machinery of destruction: One Mr. Ayisi (a representative of Akonta Mining) is the liaison on these dealings – he serves as the gatekeeper, negotiating fees and granting illegal access.

“The concessions are then subleased to individuals like one ‘Mr. Henry’ and another individual identified as ‘Shark’ who are to oversee the devastation of the Aboi Forest Reserve and the Tano River.

Speaking on TV3’s New Day programme, Mr. Kpebu said the Lands Minister’s bold move to revoke the lease is a step in the right direction.

The legal practitioner added that the move must be followed by decisive action to hold those responsible accountable.

He stated that prosecution is essential to deter others from engaging in similar illegal activities.

“If we set an example with Chairman Wontumi, it will send a strong message to others who think they are untouchable,” he said.

The Lands Minister recently revealed that Akonta Mining had been operating illegally in protected forest areas, despite having a legal license to mine off-reserve. A security raid led to the arrest of 51 individuals, including eight Chinese nationals, and the seizure of equipment.

Kpebu attributed the lease revocation and arrests to the change in government, suggesting that the previous administration had been protecting Akonta Mining.

He urged the Minister and security agencies to take the investigations seriously and ensure that those responsible face justice.