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Akonta Mining rejects galamsey allegations by Lands Minister; demands fairness and justice

Akonta Mining Company Limited has issued a strong rebuttal to what it describes as “reckless and baseless” accusations made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, over alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

In a press release issued by the company’s management, Akonta Mining rejected the claims and described them as “a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.”

“The Honourable Minister’s decision to publicly link Akonta Mining to illegal mining activities and to call for the revocation of our mining license is not only unjust and premature, but also a clear case of seeking to hang the dog and give it a bad name,” the company stated.

Akonta Mining insisted that it holds valid leases and permits from the Minerals Commission and operates legally in Samreboi and Abokoase — not in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

The company further clarified that it has never mined in the forest reserve, and that its request for access to the area was denied by both the Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission in 2022.

Akonta Mining also dismissed claims that it accepted GH¢350,000 from illegal miners, calling the allegations “entirely false, defamatory, and mischievous,” and challenging anyone with evidence to come forward.

“We vehemently deny any knowledge or association with one Mr. Ayisi, who is falsely alleged to be linked to us,” the company added.

Highlighting its commitment to environmental responsibility, Akonta Mining pointed to ongoing reclamation efforts, including the planting of over 18,000 coconut trees, with 32,000 more planned.

“Although this is estimated to cost the company hugely, we consider it as imperative to ensure a responsible mining project that will protect both the community and the environment,” the company said.

Akonta Mining concluded by reaffirming its willingness to cooperate with any legitimate investigation while urging the public and authorities to uphold principles of fairness and justice.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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Strengthening Diplomatic Ties: US Ambassador meets Interior Minister

Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak received the Ambassador Virginia Palmer, US Ambassador to Ghana in his office in Accra.

The meeting, focused on strengthening bilateral ties and discussing mutual interests and officially inform the Minister of the end of her duty tour in Ghana.

Muntaka Mubarak outlined key areas of interest of the Ministry, and explored opportunities for continued collaboration.

The Minister also commended Amb. Palmer for her contributions to the Interior Ministry and its agencies, highlighting the progress made in U.S.-Ghana relations.

Amb. Virginia Palmer thanked the Minister for his support during her tenure in Ghana and assured him of the continuous support of the US government not just to the Interior Ministry but Ghana as a whole.

The discussions underscored the strong partnership between the Ghana and US with both sides expressing commitment to strengthening ties in areas of mutual benefit.

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Ministry of Health commends partners for supporting MahamaCares

The Ministry of Health has expressed its profound appreciation to Telecel Ghana, Alive Industries, East Cantonment Pharmacy, and KMI Energies for their generous contributions to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), an initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals living with chronic diseases across the country.

Telecel Ghana has pledged to support the initiative by equipping three (3) healthcare centers with HPV testing kits, digital colposcopes, and biopsy instruments.

The donation, which will also cover operational costs for these facilities over two years, is expected to enable the screening of at least 5,000 women in the first year, offering free diagnostic services to underserved communities.

Additionally, Alive Industries has donated ₵500,000.00, East Cantonment Pharmacy has contributed ₵50,000.00, and KMI Energies has supported the initiative with ₵5,000.00.

These contributions are expected to significantly strengthen the MahamaCares initiative and help expand its reach and impact nationwide.

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, praised the efforts of the contributing organizations and emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in improving national health outcomes.