The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has directed the Forestry Commission to halt the operations of Akonta Mining Ltd in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The directive comes on the back of widespread publications over the illegal operatives by the mining firm in the forest reserve.
A statement issued by the lands minister Friday, September 30, 2022, said the company has no license to undertake mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
“The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been drawn to publications about certain operations by Akonta Mining Ltd in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Amenfi West Municipality in the Western Region.
“Records available to the Ministry shows that while Akonta Mining Ltd has a mining licence to undertake mining operations in some parts of Samreboi, outside the forest reserve, the company has no mineral right to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
“Records available to the Ministry shows that while Akonta Mining Ltd has a mining lease to undertake mining operations in some parts of Samreboi, outside the Forest Reserve, the company has no mineral right to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
“By a Ministerial Directive, all reconnaissance, prospecting, and/or exploratory activities in Forest Reserves in the country are suspended, except in exceptional circumstances. Although this directive does not affect mining in Forest Reserves, Akonta Mining Limited’s application has not been determined,” the minister said.
Accordingly, any alleged activity being undertaken by the company in the Forest Reserve is illegal, an official statement added.
The Ministry, therefore, directed the Forestry Commission to forthwith ensure that the company does not carry out any operation in the Forest and to take the necessary action against any person found culpable in this matter.
