Management of Akonta Mining Limited has refuted allegations of the company being involved in illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Their response comes after the the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah had their mining license revoked.
At a press conference held on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Minister accused Akonta Mining which is owned by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, (Chairman Wontumi) of operating unlawfully in protected forest reserves.
According to the Minister, although Akonta Mining holds a license to operate outside forest reserves, the company allegedly encroached into the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region.
The management of Akonta Mining responding to the claims described statements of the minister as “false and misleading.”
The company insisted that it has never conducted mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve and accused the Ministry of acting without due process.
“We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
“It is deeply concerning that state institutions are shifting blame onto a private company that has never been granted access to the said forest area.
“The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair — it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act,” part of the statement read.
The minister, further indicated revealed that Akonta Mining had been selling access to these reserves to illegal miners for as much as GHS 300,000 per concession, a claim the company denied as well.
“The allegations that we took GHC350,000 from illegal miners to allow access to our concession are entirely false, defamatory, and mischievous. We challenge anyone making this claim to provide evidence.
“The suggestion that one Mr. Ayisi is a liaison between Akonta Mining and illegal mining syndicates is also completely false. We vehemently deny any knowledge or association with this individual. He does not represent, work for, or act on behalf of Akonta Mining in any capacity.”
