The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources,  Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced a major breakthrough in the government's intensified fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, with the exposure of what he described as a “criminal syndicate” operating under the guise of Akonta Mining Company Ltd.

Addressing the media in Accra on Monday, the Minister detailed the illegal activities of Akonta Mining, a company that holds a lease to mine outside forest reserves but has been caught engaging in unauthorised mining operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.

“Akonta Mining does not have a lease to mine in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

Their activities there are not only illegal but criminal,” Mr Buah stated.

According to the Minister, investigations revealed that Akonta Mining had encroached on compartments 49 and 121 of the protected forest, sold illegal access to parts of the Aboi Forest Reserve for as much as GHC 300,000 per concession, and offered protection to illegal miners in exchange for weekly gold royalties.

The syndicate reportedly involved company representatives, known as “Mr. Ayisi,” “Mr. Henry,” and “Shark,” who coordinated these deals, with portions of the proceeds allegedly paid to some forestry and security officers.

“There is a well-oiled machinery of destruction, aided by the complicity of some public officials,” Buah revealed.

In an intelligence-led operation carried out on April 17—Good Friday—six illegal mining sites associated with Akonta Mining were raided by a joint team from the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission.

The 12-hour operation in Compartment 49 led to 51 arrests, including 8 Chinese nationals.

Authorities seized 30 excavators (with 5 impounded), weapons, vehicles, motorcycles, and assorted mining equipment.

In response, the Minister has directed the Minerals Commission to immediately revoke Akonta Mining’s lease and has called for the interdiction and investigation of forestry officials allegedly involved in the illegal activities.

Security personnel implicated in the scandal will also be investigated, he added.

The Attorney-General has since been briefed and is leading further investigations.

Mr. Buah issued a stern warning to other licensed mining firms engaging in similar unlawful activities.

“We are coming after you,” he warned. “This government will not rest until every financier and enabler of galamsey faces the full rigours of the law.”

He also appealed to the Ghanaian public and media to remain vigilant and report illegal mining activities.

“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,” he concluded.