Akonta Mining Company Limited has filed a defamation lawsuit against Ghana’s Minerals Commission and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, demanding GH₵20 million in damages.
The legal action, initiated at the Accra High Court on April 24, stems from remarks made by Minister Buah during a recent press conference, where he accused Akonta Mining of engaging in illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. The company, owned by Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako—widely known as Chairman Wontumi—contends that the allegations are false and defamatory.
According to the court documents, Akonta Mining is seeking general and aggravated damages for defamation and libel, claiming that the Minister’s comments were widely circulated by both local and international media, causing severe reputational damage. The company is also demanding a public apology, a full retraction, and a court order restraining the Minister from making further defamatory statements.
Akonta Mining has strongly denied the allegations, insisting its legally granted leases in 2021 covered only the Samreboe and Abokoase areas—outside the forest reserve. The company maintained it operates in compliance with all regulatory standards and had paid $301,000 in mineral rights fees and ground rents.
Furthermore, the mining firm asserted that there is no credible evidence to support claims of encroachment into protected forest areas or involvement in criminal activity.
The lawsuit comes amid ongoing controversy. Just days earlier, Ghana’s Financial Intelligence Centre reportedly froze bank accounts connected to Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining following allegations of financial misconduct.
Meanwhile, Minister Buah has called for the immediate revocation of all mining licences held by Akonta Mining, citing violations of mining regulations and the company’s alleged role in illegal small-scale mining—locally known as galamsey. During the press briefing, Buah reacted emotionally after being shown video footage purportedly showing Akonta Mining’s operations in the Aboi Forest, where the company was allegedly selling concessions to unauthorised miners for up to GH₵300,000 or in exchange for gold.
Historical reports have also claimed Akonta Mining was carrying out tree felling and excavation within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve before the NPP government scrapped restrictions on mining in protected forests in late 2022.
