Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker has disclosed that Akonta Mining firm has vacated its 'galamsey' site in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The mining firm has been cited by the Forestry Commission for engaging in illegal mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest reserve without the requisite license.
Subsequently, the Lands Ministry ordered the firm to halt its operations.
Speaking on Newsfile, Saturday, Mr. Duker said per reports submitted by his colleague in charge of forestry, the Akonta Mining firm is no more operating in the Forest Reserve.
The Tarkwa Nsuaem MP added that the matter is currently under investigation by the Lands Ministry.
“The Deputy Minister responsible for forestry was on the field just recently to see whether Akonta is there and per the reports that he brought, Akonta has left the site…I am saying on authority that Akonta Mining is not at where the matter sprung up during the investigations that came out,” he stated.
But while the discussion was ongoing, a viewer sent a message to the JoyNews team alleging that the Akonta mining firm is still operating in the forest reserve. This assertion was corroborated by JoyNews Erastus Asare Donkor, who also contributed to discussions on the Newsfile programme.
Responding to this allegation, George Mireku Duker explained that the mining firm owns a licensed concession around the Samreboi community.
“Akonta mining is having a license around Samreboi. Probably, he is referring to those concessions but not the Nimiri forest. If it is about the Nimiri Forest, the Deputy Minister has informed the Ministry that Akonta Mining has left the site.
“Let me put it on record that Akonta mining firm has concessions around that area. For example, in 2012 June 14, they had reconnaissance license over an area of 135.87km square at Samreboi…Wayback in 2012 Akonta Mining has been a responsible small-scale mining concessionaire and has been mining responsibly,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ranking Member on Mines and Energy Committee, John Jinapor has dared President Akufo-Addo and the Attorney-General to prosecute Akonta Mining firm.
He challenged the government to prosecute its own officials if indeed it is committed to the fight against 'galamsey'.
“It is the President’s own people and top people within his own party who are actively involved in illegal mining and we have said that if indeed he is committed to the fight against 'galamsey', he should start with his own people. That will then send a signal that he is indeed serious and determined to fight this menace…the President and his Ministers must show commitment by taking on this company,” he told Blessed Sogah on Top Story, Friday, September 30.
This call has been backed by several other Civil Society Organisations and Ghanaians.
Latest Stories
-
Bright Simons: The SML defence “falls flat”
3 mins -
We need long term macroeconomic stability to build a strong and vibrant economy – Deloitte Boss
3 mins -
Adomaa Adjeman to make theatre debut as Aku Sika in Prof Martin Owusu’s epic
5 mins -
U.S. government supports Ghanaian partners to protect Intellectual Property
11 mins -
Eric Johnson
17 mins -
Tanzania denies abuse reports as World Bank halts funds
25 mins -
2024 polls: The person I defeated twice can’t succeed me – Akufo-Addo
32 mins -
NBA: Miami Heat beat Boston Celtics to even series
40 mins -
Two sentenced for stealing over 1,000 bags of rice
46 mins -
Zulu monarchy in row over king’s praise singer
49 mins -
Xavi to remain as Barcelona coach until at least June 2025
51 mins -
2Pac’s estate threatens to sue Drake over use of late rapper’s AI-generated voice
53 mins -
Yaw Nsarkoh: The President’s letter on the KPMG (SML) Report
53 mins -
Manasseh’s praise and criticism of Akufo-Addo’s action on the SML scandal
58 mins -
KPMG’s report confirms we haven’t been paid $100m – SML
1 hour