In a bold and fiery press briefing on Monday, April 21, 2025, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced a significant breakthrough in the government’s war against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The minister, revealed that Akonta Mining Company Ltd., a firm previously granted a lease to mine off-reserve, has been operating illegally within protected forest reserves in the Western North Region.
Minister Buah, disclosed that investigations uncovered Akonta Mining’s deep involvement in a criminal network that has been pillaging the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves, selling illegal mining access for as much as GHC 300,000 per concession.
The company is accused of running a syndicate that not only sponsors galamsey activities, but does so with the support of some corrupt forestry and security officers, who reportedly receive a share of the illegal proceeds.
An intelligence-led operation carried out on Good Friday, April 17, led to a 12-hour raid on six sites linked to Akonta Mining, resulting in 51 arrests — including eight Chinese nationals — and the seizure of over 30 excavators, firearms, vehicles, and other mining equipment. All suspects have been transported to Accra and are in custody.
The Minister announced that the Minerals Commission, has been directed to revoke Akonta Mining’s lease immediately. He also disclosed that implicated forestry officials have been interdicted and security personnel involved will be investigated.
The Attorney-General, has taken over the matter for prosecution.
Minister Buah warned all licensed mining companies using their legal status to mask illegal operations that the government is monitoring their activities closely.
He also made a passionate appeal to the youth involved in galamsey to pursue lawful livelihoods, assuring government support for alternative employment opportunities.
“We will not stop until the soul of our country is healed,” the Minister declared, vowing that the government will name, shame, and prosecute all those involved in illegal mining, including financiers and collaborators.
