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The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, is accused of owning Akonta Mining Company Ltd., which the Ghanaian government has taken firm action against.
Because the company was engaging in illegal mining within the protected Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources ordered the Minerals Commission to immediately revoke the company’s mining lease.
The Minister stressed to the Accra media that Akonta Mining’s activities in the forest reserve were unlawful and a clear breach of Ghana’s mining regulations. Additionally, he gave the Forestry Commission instructions to interdict any officials who were discovered to have assisted in these illegal actions.
This action is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s steadfast resolve to end unlawful mining, or “galamsey,” which has had a negative environmental impact on the country. Akonta Mining has been identified as a major offender, and the government has pledged to track down and prosecute the financiers behind these enterprises.
According to investigations, Akonta Mining caused significant environmental damage by encroaching on the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without the required licenses. According to reports, the business had six illicit mining operations inside the area.
51 people, including 8 Chinese nationals and 43 Ghanaians, were arrested on April 17, 2025, as a consequence of an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission.
Approximately 30 excavators, weapons, cars, motorcycles, and other mining equipment were also seized as a result of the operation.
The Minister has instructed the Forestry Commission to suspend personnel involved in the unlawful operations and given the Minerals Commission permission to revoke Akonta Mining’s licenses. He emphasized that, regardless of their standing, the government will not hold back from naming, exposing, and prosecuting any people or organizations engaged in illicit mining.
All mining corporations operating in Ghana are strongly cautioned by this action to strictly abide by the country’s mining laws and regulations. against preserve the nation’s natural resources for coming generations, the government is steadfast in its opposition against illicit mining.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
