'There’s enough evidence Akonta Mining engaged in illegal mining, your rebuttals in the media won't bother my head' – Minerals Commission to critics

The Minerals Commission has revealed it has gathered conclusive evidence implicating Akonta Mining Limited in illegal mining operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, despite the company's repeated denials of any wrongdoing.

In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, April 22, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Isaac Andrew Tandoh, stated that the investigation uncovered substantial proof, including geolocation tracking and video footage, directly tying the company to illegal activity inside the protected forest area.

“For the intelligence we have now, the conditions and the videos we have now are more than enough to go after the perpetrators. The AG has been advised to pick up these conversations and make sure that the powers that are behind these perpetrators are brought to book,” he said.

Akonta Mining has publicly refuted the allegations, claiming it has always operated within the law and never ventured into restricted zones. However, Tandoh dismissed the company’s rebuttal, calling it a public relations maneuver that would not hinder the Commission’s pursuit of justice.

“People can write letters and issue rebuttals in the newspapers; that is not something I will bother my head with, that will trouble me. This is just the beginning. We'll allow the Attorney General to take over and ensure that the masterminds behind these illicit operations are dealt with in a way that deters others,” he stated.

The Commission’s findings come on the heels of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ decision to revoke Akonta Mining’s lease. On Monday, April 21, 2025, Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced that the company had illegally extended its operations into the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves, despite having permits only for off-reserve activities.

The development is part of a broader national crackdown on illegal mining — commonly known as galamsey — which has caused severe environmental degradation across Ghana’s forest and water bodies. The Commission and the Ministry say they are determined to hold violators accountable and send a clear signal that illegal operations in protected zones will not be tolerated.