Lands Ministry directs Akonta Mining Limited to halt ‘illegal’ operations

Lands Ministry has directed Akonta Mining Limited to immediately halt its operations in the Tano Nimiri forest reserve in the Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region.

A statement from the ministry indicates government has taken note of publications about certain operations by the mining firm in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

The sector ministry said even though Akonta Mining Limited has a mining lease to undertake mining operations in some parts of Samreboi, outside the Forest Reserve, “the company has no mineral right to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve”.

Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor has therefore directed the Forestry Commission to, “forthwith, ensure that the company does not carry out any operation in the Forest and to take the necessary action against any person found culpable in this matter”.

The statement further said its records show that Akonta Mining Ltd, on August 25, 2022, applied for a Mining Lease to undertake mining operations in the said Forest Reserve.

“By a Ministerial Directive, all reconnaissance, prospecting, and/or exploratory activities in Forest Reserves in the country are suspended, except in exceptional circumstances. Although this directive does not affect mining in Forest Reserves, Akonta Mining Limited’s application has not been determined.”

It pronounced all activities being undertaken by the company in the Forest Reserve as illegal.

The Ministry pledged its commitment to dealing with the menace of illegal mining in Ghana, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.

“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources remains committed to the fight against illegal mining, with integrity and transparency, and assures the general public that it will continue to work with the relevant agencies and all stakeholders to come to grips with this age-old galamsey menace,” the statement added.

Below is the statement to that effect