Josiah
The Minerals Commission has refuted claims by Akonta Mining Limited that it holds a valid mining lease outside the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, asserting that the company’s operations in the area amount to illegal mining.
According to the Commission, Akonta was granted three mining leases on July 23, 2021, each for a ten-year term. While these leases are located outside the forest reserve, they remain unratified and the company lacks both environmental and operational permits.
“Akonta has no mining lease for activities within the forest, nor any forest entry permit to carry out mining operations,” the Commission clarified.
It stressed that legitimate mining requires a ratified lease, an environmental permit, and an operating permit. Without these, any mining activity—whether inside or outside the reserve—is considered illegal.
Victoria Awuni, Deputy CEO of the Commission, revealed that investigations and a raid uncovered Akonta agents working in a section of the forest reserve for which the company has only applied for a lease, not yet granted.
This statement follows allegations from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, who accused Akonta Mining of illegal mining within the protected forest area.
Source:Omanghana.com
