In response to the government’s directive to revoke Akonta Mining Company Limited’s licenses over alleged illegal mining activities, Oheneba Nana Asiedu, aide to Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi), has issued a statement vehemently denying the accusations and attributing the action to political motives.
The statement, released on Asiedu’s official Facebook page, contests the claims made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during a press conference on April 21, 2025.
The Minister had accused Akonta Mining of unauthorized mining in the Tano Nimiri and Aboi Forest Reserves, alleging the company sold access to these protected areas to illegal miners for up to GHS 300,000 per concession and received weekly gold royalties in return.
Asiedu refuted these allegations, asserting that Akonta Mining holds a legally acquired large-scale mining lease approved by the Minerals Commission and ratified by relevant state institutions.
He emphasized that the lease covers specific portions of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve and that the company is not currently engaged in any mining operations, focusing instead on environmental restoration efforts, including the planting of over 16,000 coconut trees.
The statement also denied any links between Akonta Mining and the 26 individuals arrested during recent operations in Samreboi, stating that none are employees of the company.
Additionally, Asiedu clarified that Chairman Wontumi is not involved in any active mining activities and that Akonta Mining has never sold or leased any part of its land to illegal miners.
Asiedu characterized the government’s actions as a “state-sponsored media circus” aimed at discrediting Chairman Wontumi for political reasons, asserting that the attacks are baseless and dishonest. He concluded by affirming that Akonta Mining’s management is open to any official investigation and confident in the legality of their operations.
The Minerals Commission has yet to respond to Asiedu’s statement. Meanwhile, the Attorney-General has been briefed on the matter and is expected to oversee further investigations and prosecution.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
