By Ashiadey Dotse
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has called on Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah to ensure that the investigation into Akonta Mining Company leads to prosecution.
“We encourage the Minister to go the nine yards and make sure that the investigations lead to prosecution,” he stated.
Speaking on TV3’s New Day programme on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Mr. Kpebu praised the Minister for revoking the mining lease of Akonta Mining, but stressed that further action must be taken to punish those involved in illegal mining.
“We just hope this is the last. Armah Kofi Buah should be commended for this bold move. But let the prosecutions follow,” Kpebu said. “If we set an example with Chairman Wontumi, it will send a strong message to others who think they are untouchable.”
Last Friday, the Lands Minister revealed that Akonta Mining, though legally licensed to mine off-reserve, had been operating illegally in protected forest areas in the Western North Region. He described the company as part of a criminal network selling access to forest reserves and collecting gold royalties unlawfully.
A recent raid by security agencies led to the arrest of 51 individuals, including eight Chinese nationals, and the seizure of excavators, vehicles, and mining tools.
Mr. Kpebu believes the lease revocation and arrests are a result of a change in government, saying, “If we hadn’t changed government, would Akufo-Addo have revoked Chairman Wontumi’s license? He was protecting Akonta Mining.”
He urged the Minister and security agencies to take the investigations seriously and ensure that those responsible face justice.
