The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called for the urgent prosecution of Akonta Mining Ltd, accusing the government of deliberate inaction in holding the company and its officials accountable for illegal mining activities.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, 18 May, the coalition expressed outrage over the delayed sanctions despite documented evidence of wrongdoing. "The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is highly disappointed and shocked by the government's copious failure to enforce Ghana's laws against the criminal conduct of Akonta Mining Ltd," Convenor Kenneth Ashigbey noted in the statement. "Through its own investigations, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources published a documentary on the illegal activities of Akonta Mining and the extent of devastation caused by their irresponsible and unlawful activities.
We were assured of swift action against the directors of Akonta mining and government officials (Mineral Commission, Forestry Commission and Security Services) found culpable through negligence or aiding and abetting.
It has been a month on, and yet no arrest has been effected, nor has prosecution commenced.
