The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called for the urgent prosecution of Akonta Mining Ltd, accusing the government of deliberate inaction in holding the company and its officials accountable for illegal mining activities.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, 18 May, the coalition expressed outrage over the delayed sanctions despite documented evidence of wrongdoing.

"The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is highly disappointed and shocked by the government's copious failure to enforce Ghana's laws against the criminal conduct of Akonta Mining Ltd," Convenor Kenneth Ashigbey noted in the statement.

"Through its own investigations, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources published a documentary on the illegal activities of Akonta Mining and the extent of devastation caused by their irresponsible and unlawful activities. We were assured of swift action against the directors of Akonta mining and government officials (Mineral Commission, Forestry Commission and Security Services) found culpable through negligence or aiding and abetting. It has been a month on, and yet no arrest has been effected, nor has prosecution commenced. This sets a dangerous precedent as it paints a picture of the reign of impunity and political accommodation".

READ ALSO: Spare parts dealers instructed to slash prices to reflect cedi gains

The anti-galamsey body noted that Akonta Mining has been operating illegally since 2022, contributing significantly to the pollution of the Tano River and the destruction of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

While acknowledging the freezing of Akonta Mining's accounts as confirmation of wrongdoing, the coalition stressed that "there is no justification for the continued delay in prosecuting those responsible."

The group is therefore urging the government "to arrest and prosecute the Managing Director/CEO, all Directors of Akonta Mining Ltd, and any culpable government officials without further delay, as a clear testament of its commitment to fighting galamsey".

Below is the full statement.