Ghana Government Revokes Mining Concession for Wontumi’s Akonta Mining Over Illegal Forest Operations

The Government of Ghana has taken swift and firm action against Akonta Mining Company Ltd., owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has instructed the Minerals Commission to immediately revoke the company’s mining lease due to evidence of unauthorized activities within the protected Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. This decision was announced in a statement on Monday, April 21, in Accra.

Minister Buah revealed that Akonta Mining was found leasing parts of the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for GHC 300,000 per concession. The company was also reportedly receiving weekly payments in gold, sometimes up to 250 grams, from these miners. The mining activities have caused significant damage to the River Tano and the surrounding ecosystems.

“This company has not only violated protected areas but has become a criminal operation, selling access to the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for an astonishing GHC 300,000 per concession,” Buah said.

The Minister emphasized that Akonta Mining had no legal authorization to operate within the forest reserve and labeled the company’s actions as criminal. In 2022, individuals associated with Akonta Mining were arrested, but the case lost momentum after being transferred to Accra.

In addition to revoking the mining lease, Buah has directed the Forestry Commission to suspend any staff found complicit in the illegal activities, pending further investigation. Security officials linked to the operation are also under investigation. The Attorney-General has been informed and has assumed control of the case.

On April 17, a joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission raided six illegal mining sites connected to Akonta Mining. The 12-hour operation resulted in the arrest of 51 people, including eight Chinese nationals, and the confiscation of 30 excavators, firearms, and various vehicles and equipment.

Investigative journalist David Hundeyin, in his book Breaking Point, detailed how Akonta Mining’s owner, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (also known as Chairman Wontumi), enjoyed political protection during the Akufo-Addo administration, despite repeated involvement in illegal mining.

Chairman Wontumi and his company have frequently been accused of being major players in the illegal small-scale mining sector, or “Galamsey,” which has become a significant political issue in Ghana due to its environmental destruction and encroachment on nature reserves, Hundeyin wrote. He also recalled how the Media Coalition Against Galamsey (MCAG) called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Chairman Wontumi and his associate, Kwame Antwi. However, Wontumi remained untouchable during the previous administration.

Minister Buah has now stated that the current government will not hesitate to identify, publicly name, and prosecute anyone involved in illegal mining, regardless of their position or influence.

“We will not rest until our waters are clear, our forests are restored, and everyone responsible for these harmful actions is held accountable,” he asserted.