CSOs Call For Arrest And Prosecution Of Akonta Mining CEO
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on the government to as a matter of urgency begin the prosecution of Akon Mining managers and CEO.
This according to them would serve as deterrent to others who involve in illegal mining activities across the country.
In a statement released in Accra yesterday, the Coalition commended the government for freezing the account of Akonta Mining but urging it to go further by prosecuting the management.
Below is the full statement:
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey Urgently Calls for the Immediate Prosecution of Akonta Mining Ltd
Accra, Sunday, May 18th 2025: 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. In the wake of the devastating pollution of our water bodies, such as the Tano River, and the decimation of our forest resources, including the destruction of the Tano Nmiri Forest Reserve, the well-documented illegal activities of Akonta Mining Ltd, since 2022, remain not only outstanding without action, but are seemingly ignored.
Through its own investigations, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources published a documentary on the illegal activities of Akonta Mining and the extent of devastation caused by their irresponsible and unlawful activities. We were assured of swift action against the directors of Akonta mining and government officials (Mineral Commission, Forestry Commission and Security Services) found culpable through negligence or aiding and abetting. It has been a month on, and yet no arrest has been effected, nor has prosecution commenced. This sets a dangerous precedent as it paints a picture of the reign of impunity and political accommodation.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey recalls the government’s unmistakable promises to fight the menace of galamsey and restore the balance of Ghana’s ecology. While we acknowledge that the government has done well to freeze the accounts of Akonta Mining Ltd, which confirms its recognition of the company’s involvement in illegal activities, there is no justification for the continued delay in prosecuting those responsible.
We strongly urge the government to arrest and prosecute the Managing Director/CEO, all Directors of Akonta Mining Ltd, and any culpable government officials without further delay, as a clear testament of its commitment to fighting galamsey. The government must act decisively in accordance with Act 995 to demonstrate that no one is above the law.
This is the time to send a strong and unambiguous message to politically exposed persons that impunity will not be tolerated, whether under the cover of political association, high social status, or any other privilege. The fight against galamsey must be fair, fearless, and uncompromising. The government must prove its commitment by ensuring that justice is served swiftly and without exception.
The Coalition also reminds H.E. President John Dramani Mahama and the Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin of the petitions submitted to them requesting presidential and parliamentary action on allegations of illegal mining involvement by the Hon. MP for Aowin constituency, Oscar Larbi. We are still awaiting a response to the petition.
END
Signed for the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
Kenneth AshigbeySenyo Hosi
Convenor Member
GCAGGCAG
About the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) is a leading force in the fight against galamsey. It comprises coalitions and a network of organisations from 10 blocks: the Media, Labour, Religious Groups, Youth Groups, Research and academia, Pressure Groups, CSOs, Professional Bodies, Traditional Leaders, and Businesses.
The Coalition is a united front, a common platform for all ‘Against Galamsey Groups’ (AGG) to harmonise advocacy and social action interventions in the fight against galamsey. Only through our unity and collective action can we effectively combat this issue.
The campaign’s focus against illegal mining activities is not limited to gold exploitation. It includes all mining offences committed under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) based on the premise that the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana states that any mining activity that takes place without ratification by Parliament is illegal. Our approach is comprehensive and thorough, leaving no room for illegal activities.
- Media Coalition Against Galamsey
- OneGhana Movement
- Ghana CSOs Platform On SDGs
- BRACE
- Kasa Initiative Ghana Stakeholder Engagement Forum
- Gen. Transport, Petroleum & Chemical Workers Union
- Peasant Farmers Associations
- Ghana Institution of Engineering
- Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana
- Graduate Students Association of Ghana
- New Media Association of Ghana
- Ghana Institute of Architects
- Institute of Public Relations
- Ghana Institute of Foresters
- Africa Centre for Energy Policy
- Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana
- Research Scientists Association – GAEC
- University Teachers Association of Ghana – UTAG
- Ghana Mine Workers Union
- Other Ghanaian Citizens of Repute