Renowned Ghanaian lawyer Martin Kpebu has formally petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service requesting an update on the stalled investigation into alleged illegal mining activities by Akonta Mining Limited and its chairman Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
In a letter dated February 24, 2025, and addressed to COP Faustina Andoh Kwofie Kpebu expressed frustration over the lack of progress since the original complaint was filed on October 13, 2022.
We are two of four complainants who petitioned your good self on this matter, Kpebu wrote highlighting that aside from one meeting in 2023, there had been no significant updates on the case.
The petition accuses Akonta Mining and Chairman Wontumi of engaging in illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve an act that violates the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703) and its amendment the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
The Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve is a protected area and any mining activity within such a zone is prohibited unless specific legal processes and approvals are followed. The alleged illegal operations by Akonta Mining have raised public concern due to the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, also known as galamsey in Ghana.
Kpebu lamented the delays in the investigation suggesting that the case may be intentionally stalled. He revealed that despite sending a follow-up letter in 2024 his efforts to receive updates from the CID have been unsuccessful.
It is our firm belief that this case appears to be unnecessarily stalling. We urge you to kindly update us on it at your earliest convenience, Kpebu urged in his petition.
The Akonta Mining controversy has attracted widespread public attention especially regarding illegal mining’s impact on Ghana’s forests and water bodies. Civil society organizations environmental activists and concerned citizens have consistently called for transparent investigations and accountability.
In 2023, the Ghanaian government publicly declared that Akonta Mining had no legal authorization to operate in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve prompting calls for law enforcement agencies to take action.
Kpebu’s renewed petition signals a growing demand for transparency and accountability in handling high-profile cases involving illegal mining. He has called on the Ghana Police Service to prioritize the investigation and keep the public informed about the progress and outcomes.
As concerns about illegal mining continue to escalate the outcome of the Akonta Mining case could set a significant precedent in Ghana’s fight against galamsey and the protection of natural resources.
The Ghana Police Service is yet to issue an official response to Kpebu’s latest petition.
Source : m.dailyadvent.com
