Government Acts Swiftly to Protect Ghana’s Forest Reserves
Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has ordered the Lands and Minerals Commission to immediately revoke the license of Akonta Mining Limited. The directive follows credible reports that the company has been engaging in unauthorized mining activities inside the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western Region.
No Legal Rights to Operate in Protected Forests
Although Akonta Mining holds a legitimate mining lease to operate in Samreboi, the Ministry clarified that the lease does not extend to the forest reserve. As such, all operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest are illegal. The Ministry has also tasked the Forestry Commission with enforcing a total halt of the company’s activities in the reserve.
“Any person or company found violating Ghana’s forest laws will face the full force of the law,” the Ministry emphasized in its official release.
More Licenses Under Review
This move is part of a broader national effort to sanitize the mining sector. The Ministry has also announced that all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024, are to be revoked, citing irregularities in their issuance.
“We are taking concrete steps to reclaim Ghana’s forests and restore responsible mining,” said Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor.
What This Means for Ghana’s Mining Future
This decision sends a strong message to illegal miners and companies operating outside the law: Ghana will not tolerate activities that harm the environment and threaten the livelihoods of future generations. The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable mining practices.
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