The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman says he is not involved in illegal mining, also known as “galamsey.”
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi, stated that his company, Akonta Mining Limited, has all of the necessary paperwork.
Chairman Wontumi stated on Wontumi TV on Monday, October 3, that he is ready to make the document available.
“I’m pleading with them to use the law.” They should conduct their investigations, and we should let the law take its course.”
“I have a large-scale company under which Akonta mining operates… “I will make all of the required documents available[sic],” he added.
As a result, Mr Wontumi denied allegations that he is involved in galamsey.
“I want the public to know that I am not into galamsey,” he insisted.
On Friday, September 30, the Lands and Natural Resources Ministries directed mining firm Akonta Mining Limited to halt operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest.
The Ministry stated that, while Akonta Mining Limited has a mining lease to conduct mining operations in some areas of Samreboi that are not within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, “the company has no mineral right to conduct any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.”
Also read: Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining wants Akonta Mining Ltd officials prosecuted
According to the statement, sector minister Samuel Abu Jinapor has directed the Forestry Ministry to “immediately ensure that the company does not conduct any operations in the Forest and to take the necessary action against any person found culpable in this matter.”
“Our records show that Akonta Mining Ltd applied for a Mining Lease to conduct mining operations in the said Forest Reserve on August 25, 2022.” Except in exceptional circumstances, all reconnaissance, prospecting, and/or exploratory activities in the country’s Forest Reserves have been suspended by a Ministerial Directive.
“Despite the fact that this directive does not apply to mining in Forest Reserves, Akonta Mining Limited’s application has yet to be decided.” As a result, any alleged activity by the company in the Forest Reserve is illegal, according to the statement.
This came after two people were shot at Samreboi in the Western Region after a group of youth allegedly prevented Akonta Mining Limited personnel from sending more mining equipment into the Tano Nimri Forest reserve.
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