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.
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey is therefore, calling for swift and thorough prosecution of the company and all accomplices, including public officials who enabled the operations.
Speaking passionately at a press conference organized by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Dr. Ashigbey expressed shock and anger over the extent of environmental devastation caused by Akonta Mining, urging that the matter must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
“You must go and see the levels of destruction to appreciate the billions of dollars it would take to repair it,” he said. “This is not just about galamsey it’s a massive criminal enterprise. We are dealing with a system that is almost surgical in its efficiency of destruction.”
Dr. Ashigbey noted that there is “ample evidence” of illegal mining activities dating back over two years, much of which was already documented and submitted to the appropriate authorities.
He pointed out that there had been petitions to the President of the Republic and the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department, urging them to act on the matter.
According to him, President Akufo-Addo himself had earlier directed that action be taken, including passing key documents to security agencies.
“We’ve had intelligence on this for a long time, and now we are seeing some action. We’re happy this is going beyond mere words,” he said, referencing the Minister’s order to revoke Akonta Mining’s license.
He called for the Attorney General to expedite legal proceedings, urging that the case be pursued to its logical end in court.
“Let’s count the number of cases that actually make it to court, because the evidence is solid. This is not a matter for silence or compromise,” he said, adding that the situation must not revert to business as usual after public outrage fades.
Ashigbey lamented the culture of impunity and the silence of some individuals who once defended the mining company.
“Some of us were branded as enemies, while the very people who now act outraged were once silent or complicit. There were clear violations of laws and encroachment on forest reserves, and these were known to regulators and security services.”
He recounted a public forum where former President John Mahama was asked about Akonta Mining, and his response made it clear that he, too, acknowledged the gravity of the illegality.
Ashigbey accused certain stakeholders of selectively enforcing the law, stating that the failure to address these crimes has emboldened others. “If we don’t get to the root cause, we’ll be here again. Illegal mining is not just an environmental issue—it’s a national security threat,” he warned.
He emphasized the role of regulatory bodies and law enforcement in perpetuating the problem and called for their reform. “Let us stop publishing only the names of illegal miners—publish the names of the biological and institutional enablers too,” he charged.
In a stern conclusion, Ashigbey urged the Ministry, Attorney General, and Minerals Commission not to falter, stating, “This must not be another show. Let the prosecutions happen. Let justice be done.”
The press conference, led by Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, comes in the wake of the Ministry’s directive to revoke Akonta Mining Company’s license for illegal activities, including operating in forest reserves and polluting water bodies.
The move is part of a renewed crackdown on illegal mining across the country.
watch this Press Briefing …
Source: www.kumasimail.com
