The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) regional chairman for Ashanti region claims to not be involved in “galamsey,” or illicit mining.
Chairman Wontumi, also known as Bernard Antwi Boasiako, said that Akonta Mining Limited has the necessary paperwork.
On Monday, October 3, Chairman Wontumi stated that he is prepared to make the document available on Wontumi TV.
“I am appealing to them to use the law. They should do their investigations, and we should let the law work.”
“I have a large scale company which Akonta mining is under… All the required documents I have, I will make all available[sic],” he added.
Mr Wontumi thus rejected accusations that he is involved in galamsey.
“I want to tell the public that I am not into galamsey,” he insisted.
On Friday, September 30, the Lands Ministry and Natural Resources Ministry ordered mining company Akonta Mining Limited to cease operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest.
Even though Akonta Mining Limited holds a mining lease to conduct mining activities outside of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in some portions of Samreboi, the Ministry stated that “the firm has no mineral right to conduct any mining operations” there.
Samuel Abu Jinapor, the sector minister, allegedly issued a directive to the Forestry Ministry to immediately ensure that the company does not carry out any operations in the Forest and to take the required punishment against any person found culpable in this case.
“Our records show that Akonta Mining Ltd, on August 25, 2022, applied for a Mining Lease to undertake mining operations in the said Forest Reserve. By a Ministerial Directive, all reconnaissance, prospecting and/or exploratory activities in Forest Reserves in the country are suspended, except in exceptional circumstances.
“Although this directive does not affect mining in Forest Reserves, Akonta Mining Limited’s application has not been determined. Accordingly, any alleged activity being undertaken by the company in the Forest Reserve is illegal”, the statement further disclosed.
A group of young people allegedly halted employees of Akonta Mining Limited from transporting further mining equipment into the Tano Nimri Forest reserve, which led to two people being shot at Samreboi in the Western Region.
Adam Ibrahim
Adam is passionate about politics and issues that affect governance. As a writer, he channels his energies into writing on pertinent national and political issues for the good of the Ghanaian people.