The National Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused Akonta Mining Limited, a company owned by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako of engaging in illegal mining activities in Ghana.
At a press conference, the NDC shed light on the alleged transgressions committed by Akonta Mining Limited. According to the NDC, the company illegally entered and operated within the Tano Nimiri forest reserve, contravening the country’s mining and environmental laws.
“It has been established beyond every reasonable doubt that the company illegally entered and operated in the Tano Nimiri forest reserve in breach of our mining and environmental laws. This fact was confirmed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources publicly in a press statement dated 30th September, 2022,” Sammy Adu Gyamfi, NDC National Communications Officer stated.
The NDC further claimed that the matter was reported to the police, but no significant action has been taken thus far. They expressed their concern regarding the environmental impact of Akonta Mining’s operations, particularly its proximity to the Tano River, which allegedly violates the Minerals Commission’s 100-meter reserve threshold.
Evidence provided during the press conference included video footage that purportedly showed the company mining near the Tano River and polluting the water source.
Sammy Gyanfi said, “It will interest you to know, that even in Samreboi where Akonta Mining is said to have a mining lease, evidence captured on tape shows that the company has been mining very close to the Tano river in breach of the 100 meter reserve threshold of the Minerals Commission. As a matter of fact, the company has been found to have redirected and polluted the Tano river heavily”.
The opposition party also accused Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as “Wontumi,” of being the driving force behind these alleged illegal mining activities, yet he remains at large without any legal consequences.
The NDC believes that the Attorney-General has shown a lack of interest in prosecuting the directors of Akonta Mining Limited for their alleged violations of mining and environmental laws.
Sammy Gyamfi added, “As we speak, Bernard Antwi Bosiako, also known as “Wontumi”, the mastermind of this nation-wrecking conduct, is still walking free after polluting the Tano river through his illegal mining operations. The only reason why this is the case is because, the Attorney-General is not interested in prosecuting the directors of the company for their illegal mining activities.”