Wontumi’s Akonta Mining Company Must be Severely Punished — Kwaku Baako advises

Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide Abdul Malik Kwaku Baako has charged authorities to ensure Akonta Mining Ltd is severely punished.

His remarks come after the Minerals Commission affirmed that the Akonta Mining Limited, a mining firm owned by Mr Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has neither a mining lease nor mineral right and permit to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

Although the company has a pending application, dated August 25, 2022, for a lease to mine within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, it had no right to mine or even prospect within the forest.

Distinguishing between the Company as a legal entity and its owner, who is Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Mr. Baako said the company must “be severely punished”.

He said the sanctions will serve as a deterrent of other companies in similar violations.

On the show on Peace FM, Allotey Jacobs said Samartex, a Timber company should also not be left off the hook.

Checks by host Kwame Sefa Kayi however revealed Samartex has a 40 year Timber license granted to them in 1997.

In other developments, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources says it has the mandate to grant the mining lease or refuse it to Akonta Mining.

The Minerals Commission on the other hand is assuring the public that it was taking the necessary steps to enforce the Minister’s directive prohibiting the Akonta Mining Limited from mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western Region.