Kwesi Pratt Jnr Urges Akonta Mining to Seek Legal Redress Over Licence Revocation
Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has advised Akonta Mining Company Limited to resort to the courts if it believes the revocation of its mining licence by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources was unjust.
Speaking during a panel discussion on Peace FM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Mr. Pratt weighed in on the growing standoff between Akonta Mining and the Lands Ministry. He emphasized that legal action remains the most appropriate avenue for the company if it feels aggrieved by the minister’s decision.
“I have seen Akonta Mining Company’s statement refuting the minister’s remarks and claiming their innocence. This is not a problem at all because in this country, if you feel wronged by what someone has done or said about you, you can take legal actions at the court,” Mr. Pratt said.
He further explained that the judicial system offers clear procedures for seeking redress, especially in matters concerning administrative decisions like licence revocations. “You have been accused to which your license has been revoked. If you think the minister acted unlawfully, there are laid out processes to redeem yourself,” he added.
The recent revocation of Akonta Mining’s licence by the new Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has sparked public debate. The Minister’s action is reportedly part of a broader initiative to sanitize Ghana’s mining sector, particularly in the wake of continued concerns about illegal mining and its effects on the environment.
Kwesi Pratt expressed hope that the revocation of Akonta Mining’s licence signals a new era of accountability in the sector. He called on the government to apply the law fairly and ensure that all other companies found culpable of similar infractions also face the appropriate sanctions.
“We are carefully observing to see if the others found culpable will also have their licences revoked. Once the minister has set it in motion, we look forward to see if others will follow suit,” he stated.
Mr. Pratt also touched on the government’s plans to amend certain Legislative Instruments (LIs) regulating the mining industry. While acknowledging the importance of regulatory reforms, he stressed that amendments alone are not enough. He urged the government to adopt a more comprehensive strategy to eliminate illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey which has ravaged many parts of the country.
This fight must go beyond L.I. amendments. We must be serious about ending illegal mining to protect our lands, water bodies, and communities,” he emphasized.
The remarks by Kwesi Pratt Jnr add an influential voice to the ongoing national conversation about responsible mining, environmental protection, and the rule of law in Ghana. As the government takes bold steps to clean up the sector, many are watching closely to see if these efforts will be consistent, fair, and effective.