The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has confirmed the revocation of three mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited, bringing an end to a review process concerning the company’s mining operations in Ghana.
The affected mining leases are the Akango, Salman and Nkroful concessions. The Minister’s final decision followed the submission of a report by an Inter-Ministerial Committee established to review a petition filed by Adamus Resources against the initial revocation.
Adamus Resources Mining Licences Revoked
The original decision to revoke the three mining leases was taken in April 2026, following recommendations from the Minerals Commission.
According to the Lands Ministry, inspections conducted by the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission uncovered what it described as sustained and significant breaches of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and related mining regulations.
The Minerals Commission reportedly identified several violations involving the company’s mineral rights and mining activities.
Among the alleged breaches was the unauthorised assignment of mineral rights. Adamus Resources was accused of subleasing portions of its mining concessions to foreign nationals for independent mining operations without obtaining the required written approval from the sector minister.
The company was also accused of conducting mining activities outside approved and demarcated areas without securing the necessary Operating Permit from the Chief Inspector of Mines, contrary to provisions of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176).
Environmental and Forestry Approvals
The Minerals Commission further determined that Adamus Resources had allegedly failed to secure the required environmental and forestry approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) before beginning operations in the assigned areas.
The alleged breach was cited as being contrary to Section 18 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The company was also accused of failing to cooperate fully with the Interim Management Committee (IMC) established to oversee the mining operation.
Millions in Unpaid Royalties and Taxes
The Inter-Ministerial Committee’s review reportedly uncovered additional financial obligations and regulatory defaults involving Adamus Resources.
According to the findings, the company had:
- US$2.56 million in unpaid mineral rights fees
- GH¢86.8 million in unpaid royalties
- GH¢290.5 million in outstanding tax arrears
- Unexplained discrepancies relating to gold exports
- US$224 million transferred to related parties abroad between 2020 and 2024
- Environmental bonds that remained only partially fulfilled
The review committee also reportedly concluded that Adamus Resources had deliberately withheld information and submitted misleading data during the review process.
Government Assures Mine Workers of Continued Operations
Following the final decision, Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, together with officials from the Lands Ministry and the Minerals Commission, visited the mine site to engage stakeholders, including workers.
During the working visit, the Minister assured workers and other stakeholders that the Minerals Commission would take steps to ensure uninterrupted mining operations until the government announces its next decision regarding the mine.
The assurance is expected to provide some stability for workers and communities that depend on the mining operation for their livelihoods.
Government Seeks Recovery of Outstanding Financial Obligations
Minister Buah has also indicated that he intends to seek an order requiring Adamus Resources Limited to fully and promptly settle its outstanding royalty payments, tax obligations and other financial liabilities owed to the Government of Ghana.
The development highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen mining sector regulation, revenue mobilisation, environmental compliance and accountability within Ghana’s gold mining industry.
The Adamus Resources case is expected to remain closely watched as the government continues efforts to enforce Ghana’s mining laws and ensure that mining companies meet their financial, environmental and regulatory obligations.
Source: newsthemegh.com