The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has decisively upheld the revocation of three mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited, marking a significant shift in the administration of land and mineral resources within Ghana. The decision, a culmination of a rigorous review initiated by the Inter-Ministerial Committee, follows a lengthy process following the Minister’s initial directive – a recommendation from the Minerals Commission – to revoke the Akango, Salman, and Nkroful mining leases of Adamus Resources. The initial revocation, enacted in April 2026, was triggered by the Minerals Commission’s investigation into a series of violations by the company, primarily concerning unauthorized mineral rights assignments and breaches of established regulations.
The Minerals Commission’s initial investigations revealed a pattern of misconduct by Adamus Resources. Specifically, the Minister’s directive resulted in the unauthorized assignment of mineral rights to foreign nationals, a direct violation of section 14(1) of the Act 703, the Mining Act of 2006. Furthermore, the company subleased concessions without the requisite written approval from the Minister, a clear departure from established protocol, as stipulated in section 14(1) of Act 703, and operating outside demarcated and permitted mining areas without a valid Operating Permit from the Chief Inspector of Mines, a regulation emphasized in mining regulations 200(1)(b) and 200(1)(d). The Commission also uncovered failures to obtain environmental and forestry approvals before commencing operations, a violation of regulations 18, which mandates compliance.
Following the revocation, the Minister, in a formal statement, emphasized the Minerals Commission’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted operations until a government-approved decision is made. Minister Buah has also publicly pledged to secure a court order demanding full compliance with all outstanding mineral rights, royalties, and tax obligations to the government of Ghana. The Ministry has confirmed that the Minister’s decision is part of a broader strategy to streamline the mining sector and ensure compliance with established regulations.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee, comprising representatives from various government agencies, meticulously reviewed the situation, employing a series of inspections to expose the violations. These inspections, documented in a detailed report, revealed sustained breaches of the Act 703, the Mining Act 2006, and its related legislation. The Minerals Commission’s investigations also uncovered US$2.56 million in unpaid mineral rights fees, GHS 86.8 million in unpaid royalties, GHS 290.5 million in tax arrears, and unexplained variances in gold exports. The company transferred US$224 million to related parties abroad between 2020 and 2024, a financial transaction that raises concerns about transparency and governance.
The Minister’s directive has triggered a significant response from the Ministry and the Minerals Commission, with a working visit arranged to engage with key stakeholders, including mine workers. The Minister reiterated his intention to establish a working group to address these issues, aiming for a swift resolution that aligns with government policy and regulatory compliance. The initial assessment suggests a potential legal challenge to the revocation, with Adamus Resources likely to vigorously defend its position.
This situation highlights a critical juncture in the administration of mining resources in Ghana, demanding careful attention to regulatory oversight and the enforcement of established legal frameworks. The independent review by the Minerals Commission and the Minister’s decisive action are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sector and protecting the interests of the nation.
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Source: Graphic Online
