Akonta Mining Limited, the company in the middle of the recent galamsey heat, has been burned following an alleged order from the government. The action followed the Lands Ministry’s directive for the mining company to halt all its operations.
The mining company, belonging to the New Patriotic Party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Mr. Bernard Antwi Bosiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi has made the waves over the week for illegally mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Certain sources disclosed that the burning of the structures and some equipment happened on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 after evacuation of the heavy equipment. Some videos and pictures of the exercise surfaced online.
The ministry acknowledged the fact that there have been some “publications about certain operations by Akonta Mining Limited in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Amenfi West Municipality in the Western Region”.
According to the Ministry, despite Akonta Mining Limited’s 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 activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve”.
“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”. Mr. Abu Jinapor, the sector minister directed.
The statement further explained – “Our 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. Accordingly, any alleged activity being undertaken by the company in the Forest Reserve is illegal”,
The country is struggling in battling the galamsey menace and this may be the first actionable effort after Operation Vanguard to deter any individual or companies who may engage in this illegal activity.
