The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, has issued a fierce and unequivocal warning to large-scale mining companies engaged in illegal mining activities.
The minister has declared war on these large-scale mining companies, who he says are hiding behind their licenses to engage in illegal activities in the mining sector.
This stern warning follows an explosive operation conducted by the Ministry in collaboration with the security agencies that uncovered the alleged illegal activities of Akonta Mining in the Tano Nimri forest.
The Ghanaian-owned large-scale company, the minister revealed, does not have the legal permit or lease to mine in the forest reserve. The company, according to the minister’s investigation, was also leasing part of the forest reserve to illegal miners to operate.
“Akonta Mining does not have a lease to mine in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, and their mining activities in the forest are illegal and criminal. The Mahama government will stop at nothing to bring the company to book,” the Minister stated.
He therefore reiterated the government’s commitment to clamp down on all large-scale mining firms hiding behind large-scale to engage in illegal activities.
“This is a warning to all large-scale mining concession holders hiding behind legal leases to fund the destruction of our forests and river bodies. We know some of your schemes – We are coming after you!,” he declared.
This declaration by the Minister appears to have renewed the energy in the fight against illegal mining and is being hailed by environmental groups and concerned citizens as a long-overdue step toward accountability and justice.
Unlike common anti-galamsey campaigns that largely targeted small-scale and artisanal miners, the new posture signals a shift that focuses on powerful corporate actors who have for years operated with limited oversight and, in some cases, outright impunity.
Moreover, in a sobering message, the Minister appealed to the thousands of Ghanaian youth caught in the web of illegal mining to seek alternative livelihoods.
“To the youth engaged in illegal mining: There is a better way. We stand ready to support you with better alternatives,” Mr. Buah assured, but insisted that continued defiance would not be tolerated.
