Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu is calling for the prosecution of officials from Akonta Mining Company following the revocation of their mining lease.
According to Kpebu, the Lands Minister’s bold move to revoke the lease is a step in the right direction, but it must be followed by decisive action to hold those responsible accountable.
Kpebu made the call on TV3’s New Day programme, emphasizing that prosecution is essential to deter others from engaging in similar illegal activities.
“If we set an example with Chairman Wontumi, it will send a strong message to others who think they are untouchable,” he said.
The Lands Minister recently revealed that Akonta Mining had been operating illegally in protected forest areas, despite having a legal license to mine off-reserve. A security raid led to the arrest of 51 individuals, including eight Chinese nationals, and the seizure of equipment.
Kpebu attributed the lease revocation and arrests to the change in government, suggesting that the previous administration had been protecting Akonta Mining.
He urged the Minister and security agencies to take the investigations seriously and ensure that those responsible face justice.