The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has issued a strong call for the immediate prosecution of Akonta Mining Ltd.
The group accused the government of intentionally dragging its feet on taking legal action against the company for its involvement in illegal mining activities.
In a statement released on Sunday, May 18, the coalition expressed deep frustration over what it described as the government’s “deliberate inaction,” despite the availability of clear, documented evidence implicating the company and its officials.
“The continued delay in prosecuting Akonta Mining undermines public confidence in the fight against illegal mining and raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to enforcing the law,” the coalition stated.
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It urged authorities to act swiftly, warning that further delays would erode accountability and embolden other illegal mining operators.
“The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is highly disappointed and shocked by the government’s copious failure to enforce Ghana’s laws against the criminal conduct of Akonta Mining Ltd,” Convenor Kenneth Ashigbey noted in the statement.
The anti-galamsey coalition has accused Akonta Mining Ltd of engaging in illegal mining since 2022, causing significant environmental damage, including the pollution of the Tano River and the destruction of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The group acknowledged the freezing of the company’s bank accounts as a clear indication of its unlawful operations but insisted that this measure falls short of true accountability.
It is, therefore, calling on the government to demonstrate its seriousness in tackling illegal mining by immediately arresting and prosecuting the Managing Director/CEO, all directors of Akonta Mining Ltd, and any complicit government officials.
“Anything short of this will amount to protecting offenders and undermining the national fight against galamsey,” the group warned.
