Lands Minister upholds revocation of Adamus Resources Mining leases after review

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has upheld the revocation of the mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited following the submission of the final report of the Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with reviewing the company’s petition against the initial decision.

The Minister’s final determination brings to a close a review process initiated after he, acting on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission, revoked Adamus Resources Limited’s Akango, Salman and Nkroful mining leases in April 2026.

The initial revocation followed a series of inspections conducted by the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, which uncovered what the Commission described as sustained and material breaches of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and its subsidiary legislation.

According to the Minerals Commission, its investigations established multiple violations by Adamus Resources Limited, including the unauthorised assignment of mineral rights.

The Commission said the company subleased portions of its concessions to foreign nationals for independent mining operations without the prior written approval of the Minister, contrary to Section 14(1) of Act 703.

It also said Adamus mined outside demarcated and permitted areas without an approved Operating Permit 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).

The Commission further established that Adamus had failed to obtain the requisite environmental and forestry approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority before commencing operations in the assigned areas, contrary to Section 18 of Act 703.

The company was also found to have failed to cooperate with the Interim Management Committee (IMC) established to oversee the mine.

The review committee further found that Adamus had deliberately concealed information and provided misleading data. It also identified additional financial and regulatory defaults, including US$2.56 million in unpaid mineral rights fees, GH¢86.8 million in unpaid royalties and GH¢290.5 million in tax arrears.

The committee also identified unexplained variances in gold exports and found that US$224 million had been transferred to related parties abroad between 2020 and 2024. Environmental bonds, the committee noted, also remained only partially fulfilled.

Following the decision, the Minister, accompanied by officials of the Ministry and the Minerals Commission, embarked on a working visit to the mine site, where they engaged key stakeholders, including mine workers.

During the visit, the Minister assured stakeholders that the Minerals Commission would ensure uninterrupted operations at the mine pending a further decision by the government.

Mr. Buah also indicated his intention to secure an order requiring Adamus Resources Limited to fully and promptly settle its outstanding royalty, tax and other financial liabilities to the Government of Ghana.