MDF Clarifies Events Surrounding Akomfre Excavators, Sets Record Straight
The Minerals Development Fund (MDF) has issued a statement to correct inaccurate media reports suggesting that 33 excavators went missing from police custody in Akomfre. According to the MDF, the reports are false and misleading, and the actual events demonstrate the success of their proactive, community-first approach to addressing the negative impact of mining in mining communities.
On June 5, 2025, local residents in Akomfre confidentially guided the MDF team to a clandestine illegal mining operation site, where approximately 40 excavators were actively engaged in widespread environmental degradation. The MDF staff took decisive action, halting the activities and liaising with law enforcement to arrange for the formal seizure and custody of the machinery the next day.
However, upon the arrival of law enforcement officers at the remote site the following morning, it was discovered that about 33 of the excavators had been surreptitiously removed overnight. The MDF emphasizes that the police never had custody of the 40 excavators, and only seven excavators that remained at the site were officially seized by law enforcement officers.
The MDF remains resolute in its mandate to protect Ghana’s resources and mitigate the impact of illegal mining. The organization is committed to full transparency and will continue to work closely with the Ghana Police Service on their active investigation into this matter. The MDF urges all media partners to ensure accuracy in their reporting on these critical national issues.
The MDF’s proactive approach to addressing illegal mining in Ghana is part of its broader mandate to provide financial resources for the direct benefit of mining communities and to promote sustainable development in these areas. The organization’s efforts are aimed at redressing the harmful effects of mining and promoting research and capacity building for local content development.
