Ordering Wontumi’s mining company to cease operations without a permit is not enough – OccupyGhana

According to the pressure group OccupyGhana, the Forestry Commission’s order to prevent the Akonta Mining Company, which is owned by the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, from operating in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western Region, from doing so is not enough.

“We, therefore, demand that you immediately refer to the police and the Attorney-General the facts and evidence in your possession that show that the said mining company is engaged in mining operations in violation of the Act, for further investigations and prosecution of the company and its directors and officers,” the letter read.

The group applauded the ministry for its most recent action in a statement but claimed that the directive to stop mining was insufficient to stop the threat of illegal mining in the nation.

“While we applaud you for taking this action, we would be surprised if that were all you did.

It continued, “If the company is engaged in the activities you have alleged, then it is guilty of an offense that is subject to fines and sentences of between 15 and 25 years in jail.”

On Friday, September 30, 2022, the Ministry of Lands issued a directive ordering Chairman Wontumi’s Company to stop mining without a permit in the forest.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources issued the following statement: “The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been made aware of publications regarding activities by Akonta Mining Limited in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Amenfi West Municipality in the Western Region.

Records made available to the Ministry reveal that while Akonta Mining Ltd. has a mining lease to conduct mining operations in some areas of Samreboi outside the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, the company has no mineral rights to conduct any mining operations there.

OccupyGhana contends that the ministry must enlist the assistance of the Attorney General and security forces by providing them with the data necessary to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.