Akonta Mining Has Not Been Operational for Years – Chairman Wontumi Alleges
Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has publicly stated that Akonta Mining Limited, a company associated with him, has not been actively involved in mining for several years. He is specifically responding to growing public outcry and media reports that have implicated the company in illegal mining, commonly known as "galamsey" in Ghana.
The Akonta Mining saga garnered national headlines in recent years after reports emerged that the company was carrying out unauthorized mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region. The citizens and environmentalists raised alarm over the potential destruction of the ecosystem, calling for government intervention and regulatory action.
Chairman Wontumi has consistently denied wrongdoing in defense of his firm. In his view, Akonta Mining is within the legal framework under which Ghana's mining laws permit it to operate and possesses all the documentation it requires to carry out its operations. He points to the company's mining lease, which is valid until 2035, as evidence of its legality and compliance with due process.
Wontumi also argued that though the company indeed has a legitimate lease, it has not engaged in any mining activity for years, let alone in any forest reserve. He challenged the accusers to produce evidence of recent activity, insisting that Akonta Mining has obeyed all rules and has not acted illegally. He invited the public to scrutinize him, saying that he is ready to open all company records for inspection.
The government itself has had a mixed response to the issue. While President Nana Akufo-Addo publicly stated that, at a particular moment in time, Akonta Mining was not involved in illegal mining, regulatory bodies such as the Minerals Commission have clarified that the company did not have the necessary mineral rights to mine in certain locations, including forest reserves such as Tano Nimiri. This clarification added fuel to the controversy, with more questions being asked about the company's activities and the government's regulatory processes.
Public interest in the matter remains high, with stakeholders demanding accountability and transparency. Environmentalists and anti-illegal mining groups have called for a complete investigation into Akonta Mining's future and past operations. In their view, irrespective of the company's current operation or otherwise, past activities must be investigated to protect the sanctity of Ghana's natural resources.
Chairman Wontumi’s claim that the company has been inactive for years may shift the focus from current operations to past activities and potential violations. However, the broader issue of illegal mining in Ghana remains unresolved. Many communities across the country continue to deal with the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, including water pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.
In this complex landscape, Akonta Mining's case reflects the wider dilemma Ghana faces in balancing economic interests, environmental sustainability, and enforcement of the law. As the inquiry and public discussion continue, the importance of an efficient and transparent regulatory system becomes more and more obvious. The episode underscores the importance of clear communication by both government agencies and private companies to restore public trust and ensure accountable management of the nation's resources.
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