In a decisive move against environmental destruction and illegal mining, Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has revoked all licenses belonging to Akonta Mining Company Limited. The action follows damning revelations of the company’s involvement in illicit operations within protected forest areas.
According to the Ministry, Akonta Mining had been operating unlawfully in the Aboi Forest Reserve, where they facilitated the entry of unauthorized miners by selling concessions for as much as GH₵300,000.
In some cases, the arrangement included weekly gold payments to the company in return for ongoing access, effectively creating a pay-to-mine system under Akonta’s protection.
This shadow network reportedly enabled destructive galamsey (illegal mining) operations that severely impacted the environment, particularly around the River Tano and surrounding forest zones.
Authorities have also confirmed that Akonta Mining held no legal lease to operate in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, further cementing their actions as illegal.
In response, the Minerals Commission has been instructed to immediately terminate all mining rights associated with the company.
Forestry officials suspected of being complicit have been ordered to step aside pending investigations, and the case has been handed over to the Attorney-General for further legal action. Security officers allegedly connected to Akonta’s operations will also be investigated.
The government says this is part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal syndicates operating under the cover of legal mining, particularly those destroying Ghana’s natural resources for profit.
