The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has exposed what he described as a well-organized criminal syndicate operating under the name of Akonta Mining Company Ltd.
Though the company was legally granted a lease to mine off-reserve, the Minister revealed that Akonta Mining had illegally invaded protected forest reserves in the Samreboi enclave of the Western North Region — selling access to the Aboi Forest Reserve for GHC 300,000 per concession, collecting 250 grams of gold weekly in royalties, and protecting illegal miners who devastated the Tano River and forest compartments with impunity.
At a press briefing in Accra on April 21, the Minister disclosed damning details of collusion involving forestry officers and security personnel who were bribed to shield the syndicate.
He announced that a 12-hour intelligence-led raid on Good Friday led to the arrest of 51 people, including eight Chinese nationals, the seizure of 30 excavators, weapons, vehicles, and mining equipment.
Consequently, the Minister has revoked Akonta’s lease, ordered the interdiction of implicated forestry officials, and triggered investigations by the security agencies and the Attorney-General’s office.
In a related development, the Ghana Police Service has intensified its efforts to combat illegal mining in the Western Region. The police raided a galamsey site in the Samreboi forest, resulting in the arrest of 21 more individuals involved in illegal mining activities. This brings the total number of arrests to 47.
The arrests were made in the Tano Nimri forest and along the Tano River, where the police seized 17 excavators and one bulldozer. Among those arrested are 39 Ghanaians, 8 Chinese nationals, and 4 Ghanaian women. The suspects were found to be engaged in illegal mining activities, which pose a significant threat to the environment and the country’s natural resources.
The first batch of 26 suspects have been transported to Accra to face justice. The police are confident to ensure that those involved in galamsey are held accountable for their actions.
The operation is ongoing, and the police are working to identify and apprehend more suspects.
The Ghana Police Service’s effort on galamsey in the Western Region is a welcome development in the fight against illegal mining.
The arrest of 47 individuals and the seizure of equipment demonstrate the police’s desire to protecting the country’s natural resources and environment. It is expected that this operation will serve as a deterrent to those involved in illegal mining activities and help to promote responsible mining practices in Ghana.
