Akonta Mining Company Limited has initiated legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah
Akonta Mining Company Limited is demanding GHs20 million in damages for alleged defamation
This lawsuit follows Minister Buah’s directive on April 21, 2025, for the immediate revocation of all mining licenses held by Akonta Mining Company Limited
Akonta Mining Company Limited has initiated legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, demanding GHs20 million in damages for alleged defamation related to accusations of illegal mining and corruption within protected forest reserves.
In a writ filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, 2025, Akonta Mining contends that Minister Buah defamed the company during a press conference held on April 22, 2025, by accusing them of orchestrating illegal mining operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The mining company vehemently denies these allegations, asserting that its legally acquired mining leases, granted in 2021, are situated outside the boundaries of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
This lawsuit follows Minister Buah’s directive on April 21, 2025, for the immediate revocation of all mining licenses held by Akonta Mining Company Limited, stemming from serious allegations of illegal mining activities (galamsey) and breaches of mining regulations.
During the aforementioned press conference, Minister Buah disclosed that Akonta Mining had been implicated in a series of unlawful activities, including engaging in galamsey operations and violating established mining regulations. He further alleged that the company had been illegally selling concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners for sums up to GH₵300,000, and in some instances, in exchange for gold royalties.
“This company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access of the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GH₵300,000 per concession,” Minister Buah stated. He further claimed that these illegal miners operated under Akonta Mining’s protection, causing significant environmental damage to the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity, and that Akonta Mining allegedly received weekly royalties of 250 grams of gold from these illegal operations.
In response to these serious accusations, Akonta Mining, in its legal suit, emphasizes that it holds two valid 10-year mining leases, granted in 2021, covering the Samreboe and Abokoase areas, which they maintain are located outside the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. The company also asserts its full compliance with all relevant regulations, including the payment of $301,000 in mineral rights fees and ground rents.
Akonta Mining further contends that there is no factual basis or evidence to support the Minister’s claims of encroachment or criminal activity. Consequently, the company is seeking GH₵20 million in damages for defamation, a retraction of the alleged defamatory statements, a public apology from Minister Buah, and a court injunction to prevent any further dissemination of what they claim are false statements. This legal battle is set to unfold in the Accra High Court and will likely draw significant public and media attention in Ghana.
