Commentary

Power, Public Service and Responsible leadership

News Commentary focuses on Power, Public Service and Responsible leadership.

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s comments on Akonta Mining in 2023 have ignited a national debate, after the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Armah-Kofi Buah, ordered the immediate termination of the licenses of Akonta Mining. The government, through the Minister, has also revoked the mining lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd. following revelations of the company’s deep involvement in illegal mining activities commonly known as galamsey within protected forest reserves. The Minister was speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, April 21, 2025 and highlighted the huge devastation of the forest by the illegal activities of Akonta Mining after an intensive undercover investigation, which uncovered that Akonta Mining was operating unlawfully in forest reserves despite lacking the necessary permits. Former President Akufo-Addo, speaking at the 28th National and 16th Biennial Congress of the National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests Association in Koforidua in January 2023, stated emphatically, “I want to assure you all that Akonta Mining is not engaged in any form of illegal mining anywhere in Ghana as we speak.” The question is what briefing the former president had before making such an emphatic statement, which has now turned out to be a diametrically contradiction to reality. Is that how the Executive acts? The statement, which appeared to exonerate Akonta Mining, addressed concerns over illegal mining and its devastating impact on Ghana’s environment and water bodies. Akonta Mining, a company known to be owned by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (a.k.a Chairman Wontumi), had earlier been accused of engaging in illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. The former President’s remarks drew swift backlash. President John Mahama, then the Flagbearer of the NDC, described them as “unacceptable” and cautioned that such statements could undermine the independence of investigations into illegal mining activities. Civil society groups, including the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, also expressed concern, suggesting that the President’s position could be seen as shielding politically connected individuals. In an attempt to clarify the statement, the then Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, explained that President Akufo-Addo was referring to the company’s activities at the time of his speech, and not offering a blanket absolution for past or ongoing investigations. According to the Minister, the statement “does not interfere with or prejudice any ongoing investigations or possible future legal action.”

Despite the controversy, the government has since taken decisive action; the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has now ordered the revocation of all licenses held by Akonta Mining. A government statement cited “compelling evidence” that the company had engaged in unauthorised operations within forest reserves and violated environmental regulations. This move was hailed by environmental groups and mining sector stakeholders as a step toward restoring public confidence in the government’s commitment to the fight against illegal mining.

The Akonta Mining saga has reopened discussions about political influence in the enforcement of mining laws. Many Ghanaians continue to call for transparency, accountability, and a non-partisan approach in dealing with environmental offences, especially in the mining sector. As Ghana continues to grapple with the galamsey menace, the President’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between political loyalty and the rule of law. According to the Minister, although Akonta Mining holds a license to operate off-reserve, the company had encroached on the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region. The investigations further revealed that Akonta Mining had been selling access to these reserves to illegal miners for as much as GHS 300,000 per concession. In return, some of these miners allegedly paid weekly royalties in gold, up to 250 grams, to the company. This can best be described as criminal. The kind of communication demonstrated by President Akufo-Addo’s comment on Akonta Mining can be described as a public declarative communication, but more specifically, it falls under several categories depending on the lens you use: This is a classic example of political communication, where a leader makes a public statement that influences or attempts to shape public perception on a controversial issue. Political communication often balances governance, public opinion, and party interests, and in this case, the statement appears to reassure or defend a politically connected entity. In contexts of public concern over illegal mining, the comment also touches on crisis communication, but it may be considered premature or misapplied, as it attempts to resolve a crisis without a full legal or regulatory conclusion. It sends a message of calm or certainty that could contradict ongoing investigations, potentially deepening the crisis. From a rhetorical standpoint, this is an example of image restoration communication, specifically defensive communication, where the former President sought to protect the image of either his administration or a political ally. As a statement from the highest office of the land, it also qualifies as executive-level communication, carrying policy implications, intentional or not. It may unintentionally signal direction to regulators, law enforcement, or the public. Our leaders must learn from this unfortunate situation.