Akonta Mining Company Limited has filed a lawsuit against the Minerals Commission and Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.

The company is demanding GHs20 million in damages over allegations of illegal mining and corruption in protected forest reserves.

In a writ filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, Akonta Mining claims that Minister Buah defamed the company during a press conference on April 22, accusing it of orchestrating illegal mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

The company denies these allegations, stating that its legally acquired mining leases, granted in 2021, are outside the reserve.

• Read also: Lands Minister orders immediate revocation of Akonta Mining license over galamsey

On April 21, the Minister directed the immediate revocation of all mining licenses held by Akonta Mining Company Limited.

This followed serious allegations of illegal mining activities (galamsey) and regulatory breaches by the mining company.

Speaking at a press conference, the Minister disclosed that Akonta Mining had been implicated in a series of unlawful activities, including engaging in galamsey operations and violating established mining regulations.

Mr Buah stated that the company has also been illegally selling concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorised miners for up to GH₵300,000, and in some cases, in exchange for gold royalties.

"This company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access of the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GH₵300,000 per concession.

"Worse, these illegal miners operate under Akonta’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity," Mr Buah said.

He continued, "As part of the agreement between Akonta Mining and the illegal miners, weekly royalties of 250 grams of gold are to be paid to the company, lining the pockets of Akonta’s collaborators."

In response to these allegations, the company in its lawsuit emphasised that it holds two valid 10-year mining leases since 2021 covering Samreboe and Abokoase areas, which are outside the Tano Nimiri reserve.

It added full compliance with all regulations, including payment of $301,000 in mineral rights fees and ground rents.

The company further maintains that there is no evidence supporting the Minister's claims of encroachment or criminal activity.

On the back of these, Akonta Mining is seeking GHC 20 million in damages for defamation, a retraction and public apology from the Minister, and a court injunction barring further allegedly false statements.