The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has decisively upheld the revocation of the mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited following the comprehensive report delivered by the Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with reviewing the company’s petition against the initial decision.
The Minister’s final determination, formally announced on [Date of Announcement – Placeholder], brings to a close a rigorous review process initiated after the Minister, acting on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission, revoked the Akango, Salman, and Nkroful mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited in April 2026.
The Minerals Commission’s initial investigations revealed a series of substantial breaches of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and its associated legislation, constituting a significant challenge to the company’s operations.
The review process, commencing immediately after the revocation, meticulously examined multiple violations by Adamus Resources Limited, including the unauthorized assignment of mineral rights to foreign nationals, a clear violation of Section 14(1) of Act 703, and the operation of mining outside demarcated and permitted areas without prior approval from the Chief Inspector of Mines, in contravention of Regulations 200(1)(b) and 200(1)(d) of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176).
Furthermore, the Commission established that Adamus failed to obtain requisite environmental and forestry approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority before commencing operations in assigned areas, a direct violation of section 18 of Act 703. This lapse significantly impacted the environmental integrity of the region.
Adamus also failed to cooperate with the Interim Management Committee (IMC), a crucial stakeholder oversight body established to oversee the mine’s operations. The review committee found that Adamus deliberately concealed information and provided misleading data, undermining transparency and accountability.
It uncovered additional defaults, including 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, and environmental bonds remain only partially fulfilled.
Following this decision, the Minister and officials of the Ministry and the Minerals Commission embarked on a working visit to the mine site to engage key stakeholders, including workers of the mine. During the visit, the Minister assured that the Minerals Commission will ensure uninterrupted operations until a further decision by government has been announced.
Hon. Buah has also indicated his intention to secure an order that Adamus fully and promptly fulfills its royalty, tax, and other financial liabilities to the Government of Ghana, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.
Watch Related Video
Source: MyJoyOnline
