The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has issued a strong call for the immediate prosecution of Akonta Mining Ltd, accusing the government of failing to act on clear evidence of the company’s involvement in illegal mining activities that have devastated forest reserves and polluted critical water bodies.
In a statement released on Sunday, May 18, and signed by its Convenor, Kenneth Ashigbey, the Coalition expressed “shock and disappointment” over what it described as government inaction, despite public evidence of Akonta Mining’s unlawful operations in forest reserves and along water bodies.
The Coalition warned that the failure to prosecute the company and any complicit government officials sends a dangerous message of impunity and selective justice.
According to the group, Akonta Mining has been operating illegally since 2022, contributing significantly to the pollution of the Tano River and the destruction of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. These claims are supported by an investigative documentary produced by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which detailed the environmental damage linked to the company’s activities.
The Coalition noted that the Ministry’s findings provided sufficient grounds for prosecution—yet no legal action has been taken.
While acknowledging the government’s move to freeze Akonta Mining’s bank accounts, the group insisted this was “only a partial measure” and stressed that it could not replace full criminal prosecution.
In addition to pursuing charges against the company, the Coalition also called for the arrest and prosecution of officials from the Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission, and security services who may have aided, abetted, or negligently enabled Akonta Mining’s illegal operations.
