A damning documentary exposing Akonta Mining Company Ltd’s alleged destruction of forest reserves and water bodies has triggered national outrage, with citizens demanding the immediate arrest of its purported owner Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah broke down in tears after viewing footage showing extensive ecological damage.
“The scale of destruction is catastrophic,” the Minister stated describing it as an assault on Ghana’s future.”
Social media erupted with fury as Ghanaians labeled the mining operations “environmental terrorism” and “manslaughter.”
Key reactions include:
Patrick Fiifi Asare: “These environmental terrorists must face the full law. Foreign collaborators should rot in Ghanaian prisons.”
Efo Kormi: “This isn’t negligence – it’s premeditated manslaughter.”
Obrempong Nana Lord: “My heart aches. This is genocide against our nation.”
Citizens across multiple platforms demanded urgent arrest of Bernard Antwi Bosiako;
“Arrest Wontumi now! No more political protection!” – Charles Donkor
“By now wontumi should have been arrested. But as usual politicians are friends behind veil”-Opanin Kofi Bonsu
“So AkufoAddo knew this and still insisted that Akonta mining company were innocent 😭😭”-Najar Mohammed
“If he walks free, it’s the final nail in Ghana’s environmental coffin.” – Win Solomon
“NDC must act – empty promises won’t fix this!” – Edmundo Ahiable
“It will be so stupid to only talk without an action . Get that wicked dude arrested with immediate effect”- Walter brinks
Akonta Mining previously faced accusations of illegal operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, though the company has denied wrongdoing. The fresh evidence has renewed scrutiny on political ties to extractive industries.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has directed the Minerals Commission to immediately revoke the mining license of Akonta Mining Company Limited, following disturbing revelations of illegal mining operations and environmental destruction.
Addressing a press conference in Accra, the visibly emotional minister condemned the company’s activities, which have devastated lands and polluted water bodies, particularly within protected forest reserves.
“The destruction caused by Akonta Mining has left me in tears. They have encroached on lands, devastated rivers, and operated with blatant impunity,” Mr. Buah stated.
The Convenor of the Ghana Coalition Against Illegal Mining (Galamsey), Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has described the activities of Akonta Mining Company as a “weapon of mass destruction” against Ghana’s environment.
Source: www.kumasimail.com / Kwadwo Owusu
