The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has shed tears after watching a documentary showcasing the destruction of lands and water bodies in the Western Region.
According to reports, the destruction was caused by Akonta Mining Company Limited owned by Chairman Wontumi the Ashanti Regional Chairman of NPP.
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has also revoked the license of Akonta Mining Limited.
In the viral video, a man is seen approaching him to briefly console him with a gentle pat on the shoulder.
The Lands Minister in a press conference stated, “Some interviews conducted with a few residents indicate that the modus operandi of Akonta Mining is to use force to enter and destroy even the farmlands and produce of poor farmers in the area.
“Armed with this intel, on the eve of Good Friday (17th April 2025) an intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission led to the raid of six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining”.
He added, “ Armed with this intel, on the eve of Good Friday (17th April 2025) an intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission led to the raid of six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining.
The operation in Compartment 49, which began at 5 a.m. and lasted a whopping 12 hours, resulted in:
* 51 arrests (8 Chinese, 39 Ghanaian men, 4 Ghanaian women)
* Seizure of about 30 excavators, 5 recovered and impounded at the operation base
* 2 Pump-action guns loaded with 5 and 2 rounds of BB cartridges each, 1 single-barrel gun retrieved
* Confiscation of 2 Toyota Hilux pickups, 1 Toyota RAV4, 4 motorbikes, and a cache of mining equipment
All suspects have been transported to Accra, in custody pending prosecution.
In light of the overwhelming evidence, I have authorized the Minerals Commission to take steps to revoke the lease of Akonta Mining Co. Ltd with immediate effect.
I have directed that forestry officials connected to these illegalities be immediately interdicted pending further investigations and prosecution. The security agencies have been notified to investigate security officers who have had dealings with Akonta Mining in this particular Forest Reserve.
The Attorney-General has also since been briefed and has taken over the investigations for further action”.
Watch the video below:
Chairman see how Wontumi has destroyed the Tano Forest reserve he just dey cry … Ndc ankasa Ghana dey wanna heart top pic.twitter.com/OqM2TIC1Xj
— GOVERNMENT IN POWER (@Ndcpidgintweets) April 21, 2025
