Akonta Mining Company Limited has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

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The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

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The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve. The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, 2025, argues that the minister's statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

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Just days before the press conference, on April 21, Minister Buah ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations. During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations. Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

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“This company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access to the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GH₵300,000 per concession,” Buah stated. “Worse, these illegal miners operate under Akonta’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity,” he added.

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Further, Buah accused Akonta Mining of receiving weekly gold royalties from the illegal miners, amounting to 250 grams of gold per week as part of the alleged deal.

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In its lawsuit, Akonta Mining reiterated that it holds two valid mining leases for the Samreboe and Abokoase areas, which are not located in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. The company insists that it has adhered to all necessary regulations, including the payment of $301,000 in mineral rights fees and ground rents. It maintains that there is no proof supporting the minister's claims of illegal activity or encroachment.

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Akonta Mining is now seeking GH₵20 million in damages for defamation and a retraction of the statements made by Minister Buah. The company has also requested a public apology and is seeking a court injunction to prevent any further defamatory remarks.

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