The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep disappointment over what it describes as the government’s failure to enforce the law against Akonta Mining Ltd, despite overwhelming evidence of the company’s alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
In a press release on Sunday, May 18, the coalition criticised what it called a “copious failure” by state authorities to prosecute the company and those it holds accountable for environmental destruction, including the pollution of the Tano River and the degradation of the Tano Nmiri Forest Reserve.
The statement noted that illegal operations by Akonta Mining have been publicly known since 2022, yet no legal action has been taken.
According to the GCAG, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had, through its own investigations, produced a documentary outlining the extent of the damage caused by Akonta Mining.
The Ministry had also promised swift action, including legal proceedings against both company directors and implicated public officials from institutions such as the Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission, and Security Services.
However, the coalition says no arrests or prosecutions have been made more than a month after those assurances, raising concerns about political interference and a “reign of impunity.”
“While we acknowledge that the government has frozen the accounts of Akonta Mining Ltd—an admission in itself of the company’s unlawful conduct—there is no justification for the delay in arresting and prosecuting those responsible,” the statement reads.
GCAG called for immediate legal action under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995, including the arrest and prosecution of the company’s Managing Director and Directors, as well as any government officials found to have been complicit.
“This is the time to send a strong and unambiguous message to politically exposed persons that impunity will not be tolerated,” the coalition added.
The statement also reminded President John Dramani Mahama and Speaker of Parliament Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin of a petition submitted to their offices.
The petition relates to allegations of illegal mining involvement by the Member of Parliament for Aowin Constituency, Oscar Larbi. The coalition says it has yet to receive a response.
