Akonta Mining Company Limited has filed a defamation lawsuit against Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, and the Minerals Commission, seeking GHC 20 million in damages.

The legal action, filed at the Accra High Court on 24 April, follows a press conference on 22 April during which the Minister accused the company of illegal mining operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

Mr Buah also alleged that Akonta Mining had sold access to parts of the Aboi Forest Reserve to unauthorised miners for up to GHC 300,000 per concession, and, in some cases, had collected royalties in gold. He described the company as “a criminal syndicate” responsible for widespread environmental destruction in forest reserves and around the River Tano.

Akonta Mining has rejected all accusations, maintaining that it holds two legally acquired 10-year mining leases, granted in 2021, covering the Samreboe and Abokoase areas—locations it insists lie outside the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

In its court filing, the company claims it is in full compliance with Ghana’s mining regulations, having paid over $300,000 in mineral rights and ground rent fees. It argues that the Minister’s statements were defamatory and unsupported by evidence.

The company is seeking a public retraction and apology, alongside a permanent injunction to prevent further statements of the same nature.

The lawsuit comes after the Minister directed the immediate revocation of all of Akonta Mining’s licences on 21 April, citing serious breaches of mining laws and environmental regulations.

The case is expected to test the boundaries of public accountability and corporate reputation within Ghana’s mining sector.

Source:TheDotNews