The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has revoked the mining license of Akonta Mining Limited, owned by Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi. The minister alleges that Akonta Mining sold concessions in the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for GH¢300,000 per concession. However, Chairman Wontumi has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that the minister’s claims are untrue and that he cannot use allegations to revoke his license.
According to the minister, Akonta Mining has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access to the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners. The minister claims that the company’s actions have devastated the River Tano and surrounding forests. In response, Chairman Wontumi has challenged the minister to provide evidence to support his claims, stating that he has never worked in the forest before and has never been to Aboi Forest.
The minister’s decision to revoke Akonta Mining’s license has sparked a heated debate, with Chairman Wontumi maintaining his innocence and accusing the minister of making baseless allegations. Chairman Wontumi has stated that he has never had any dealings in the Aboi Forest Reserve and that the Forestry Commission is responsible for managing the forest, not him. He has also claimed that he has never been issued a license to operate in the forest.
The controversy surrounding Akonta Mining’s alleged involvement in illegal mining activities has raised concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory bodies in enforcing mining laws and protecting the country’s natural resources. The minister’s decision to revoke the license and direct the Minerals Commission to take further action has been seen as a step in the right direction in the fight against illegal mining.
However, Chairman Wontumi’s denial of the allegations and his challenge to the minister to provide evidence highlight the need for a thorough investigation into the matter. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for the mining industry and the government’s efforts to crack down on illegal mining activities.
In response to the minister’s allegations, Chairman Wontumi has stated that he is willing to cooperate with any investigation and that he is confident that the truth will come to light. He has also accused the minister of attempting to use allegations to revoke his license without providing evidence. The situation remains tense, with both parties digging in their heels.
The government’s efforts to combat illegal mining have been ongoing, with the minister emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of mining laws and regulations. The revocation of Akonta Mining’s license is seen as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources and holding companies accountable for their actions. However, the outcome of this case will depend on the evidence presented and the thoroughness of the investigation.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the investigation will be conducted and what the consequences will be for Akonta Mining and its owner, Chairman Wontumi. The case highlights the complexities and challenges involved in regulating the mining industry and the need for effective enforcement of laws and regulations to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
