In a press statement issued on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Akonta Mining Company Limited vehemently refuted allegations made by Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, saying the accusations were unjust, false, and part of a political plot by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to harm the company's reputation. Akonta Mining claims that during a press conference, the Minister incorrectly connected the company to illicit mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve and demanded that the company's mining license be revoked, a move that is not only premature but also politically motivated.
"We are not, and have never been, involved in illegal mining in that forest reserve," the statement read. The company maintains that it is a legitimate large-scale mining company that operates in Samreboi and Abokoase, not in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. In fact, in 2022, formal letters from the Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission confirmed that Akonta Mining had no permit or approval to mine in that forest reserve. Management also clarified that their request to access the forest was denied and that they have never conducted any mining operations there.
Additionally, Akonta Mining discussed its dedication to environmental protection, telling the Western Regional Security Council in 2021 that it would reclaim its land after illegal miners left dangerous pits on their property, planting 18,000 coconut trees so far, with 32,000 more to follow. Akonta Mining also refuted rumors that it stole GHC350,000 from illegal miners and that it had any connection to a man named Mr. Ayisi, who was allegedly serving as a link to illegal mining syndicates. Akonta Mining called these claims damaging and untrue, and urged anyone making such claims to substantiate their claims.
As a result, they are accusing the Minister of attacking a private enterprise without conducting a thorough investigation and violating natural justice. According to Akonta Mining, it is prepared to assist with any legal investigation and will use legal tools to protect its reputation.