BY Daniel Bampoe
Akonta Mining Company Limited has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, at the High Court in Accra.
The legal action stems from public statements and publications allegedly made by the defendants, which the company claims have tarnished its reputation both locally and internationally.
The mining company, headquartered in Kumasi, contends in its statement of claim that it has lawfully operated within the mining sector under licenses granted by the Minerals Commission.
According to the writ, Akonta Mining legally acquired two separate mining leases on July 23, 2021, for a ten-year period.
These leases, the company says, cover mining concessions in Samreboe and Abokoase, located in the Wassa Amenfi West District in the Western Region.
Akonta Mining asserts that it holds no leases or mining operations in any forest reserve, including the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve—a point of controversy that has drawn significant public and governmental scrutiny in recent years.
The company strongly refutes any claims suggesting it has engaged in illegal mining activities within protected areas.
The lawsuit accuses both the Minerals Commission and
Buah of making defamatory statements that were widely disseminated across major media outlets and social media platforms.
These statements, Akonta Mining argues, not only injured its corporate reputation but also subjected the company to public ridicule and business losses.
As part of its reliefs, Akonta Mining is seeking GH¢20 million in special and aggravated damages, citing the reputational harm caused by the publications.
Additionally, the company is requesting a court order compelling the defendants to publicly retract their statements and issue an unqualified apology across multiple platforms including television, radio, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
The mining firm is also seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the defendants from making any further defamatory remarks or statements with similar implications.
The lawsuit demands the payment of all legal costs and other related expenses incurred in pursuing the case.
The case was filed by Appiah-Kubi & Associates, acting as legal counsel for Akonta Mining.
The defendants have been ordered to enter an appearance within eight days of being served with the writ, or risk a default judgment.
This lawsuit adds a new dimension to ongoing debates about illegal mining (galamsey), regulatory oversight, and public trust in Ghana’s natural resource governance.
