In what is being described as a bold move to restore integrity in Ghana’s natural resource governance, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revealed a deeply embedded criminal syndicate operating within the mining sector under the cover of Akonta Mining Company Ltd.
At a press briefing in Accra, the Minister disclosed explosive findings from recent investigations, accusing Akonta Mining of flagrantly violating the terms of its lease by engaging in illegal mining activities deep within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve—despite holding no permit to operate in any forested area.
“Akonta Mining’s operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve are not just illegal—they are criminal,” Mr. Buah asserted.
According to intelligence gathered, the company had illegally sold access to forest concessions for up to GH¢300,000 each and collected weekly gold royalties from unauthorized miners. A trio of operatives—identified only as “Mr. Ayisi,” “Mr. Henry,” and “Shark”—allegedly coordinated the illegal trade, with some proceeds reportedly reaching rogue forestry and security officials.
The syndicate’s exposure follows a Good Friday intelligence-led raid on April 17, executed by a joint task force from the Ghana Police Service and Forestry Commission. The operation in Compartment 49 of the reserve uncovered six illegal sites linked to Akonta Mining and resulted in 51 arrests, including 8 Chinese nationals.
The crackdown also led to the seizure of 30 excavators, multiple vehicles, weapons, motorcycles, and large quantities of mining equipment—signaling the scale and organization of the illicit network.
In a strong show of political will, the Minister announced immediate steps to revoke Akonta Mining’s lease, ordered the interdiction of implicated forestry officers, and called for investigations into complicit security personnel. The Attorney-General’s office has been briefed and is now spearheading the legal process.
Mr. Buah did not mince words in sending a clear message to others in the sector:
“We are coming after you. This government will not rest until every financier and enabler of galamsey faces the full rigours of the law.”
He called on the public, media, and civil society to join in the national effort to end illegal mining, urging vigilance, whistleblowing, and continued pressure for reform.
“We will not stop until galamsey is completely uprooted—until our waters run blue, our forests green, and the soul of our country is healed.”
The exposé marks one of the most decisive moments yet in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, as it lifts the veil on systemic corruption that has long frustrated enforcement efforts and degraded vital natural resources.
