Akonta Mining is reportedly owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, a leading member of the NPP and a key political figure in the Ashanti Region.
According to Erastus in a social media post, a police crackdown on illegal mining activities in Samereboi exposed extensive damage to the environment, with the Tano River heavily polluted.
He alleged that some of the detained Chinese miners admitted on camera that their operations were linked to Akonta Mining.
He added that concerns about the company’s involvement in galamsey are not new, stating that he had previously raised similar issues about the firm’s activities and their impact on the river, but no meaningful action followed at the time.
Erastus argued that the latest police intervention should not end at arrests alone but should trigger wider investigations into all individuals and entities connected to the illegal operations.
He called for prosecution, alleging that the miners revealed they were given access to land for unlawful mining that destroyed the environment.
He praised the Inspector-General of Police and the Energy Minister for what he described as effective coordination of the operation, urging authorities to ensure justice is served and the Tano River is rehabilitated.
The allegations have reignited public debate about Akonta Mining’s possible involvement in illegal mining, with renewed demands from environmental groups and citizens for a comprehensive probe and strict enforcement of mining laws to protect Ghana’s natural resources.