The contentious Ghanaian politician, Chairman Wontumi, along with his Akonta mining company, has filed a lawsuit against the government of Ghana regarding the Galamsey issue.
This action comes in response to the government's decision, led by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah.
During a conference on April 29, 2025, which was reported by Impel Properties , the minister indicated that significant progress had been made towards the revocation of Chairman Wontumi's license.
The minister stated that while Akonta Mining possesses a legal license for mining operations, it has been discovered that the company is misusing this license.
He noted, 'Although Akonta Mining is authorized to operate outside of designated reserves, the company has intruded upon the Aboi Tano Namiri forest reserves located in the Western Region.' Furthermore, the minister remarked, 'This company has not only violated protected areas but has also transformed into a criminal organization, charging illegal miners an exorbitant fee of 300,000 Cedis per concession for access to the Abou Forest reserves.'
He revealed with astonishment that Akonta Mining also collects gold as royalties from these illegal miners on a weekly basis.
In response, Akonta Mining has denied the minister's allegations and initiated legal proceedings against the minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, and the government of Ghana.
Akonta mining in their legal suit demands;
- Special damages for libel totaling 20 million Ghana Cedis.
- ? Court order that forces the minister to falsify his claims and render an apology.
- ? Perpetual injunction to prevent further defamatory remarks
- ?Legal costs and other relief the court may find appropriate
