The government has upheld the revocation of three mining leases belonging to Adamus Resources Limited following an independent review of the company’s petition against the decision.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah confirmed the final determination after receiving the report of an Inter-Ministerial Committee set up to review the company’s challenge.
The decision concerns the Akango, Salman and Nkroful mining leases, which were revoked in April 2026 on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission.
The initial revocation followed a series of inspections by the Commission’s Inspectorate Division, which identified what it described as sustained and material breaches of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and related regulations.
Among the violations cited was the alleged unauthorised assignment of mineral rights.
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According to the Minerals Commission, Adamus subleased portions of its concessions to foreign nationals to undertake independent mining operations without obtaining prior written approval from the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, contrary to Section 14(1) of Act 703.
The company was also found to have undertaken mining activities outside demarcated and permitted areas without an approved Operating Permit from the Chief Inspector of Mines, in breach of Regulations 200(1)(b) and 200(1)(d) of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176).
The Commission further found that the company had failed to secure the required environmental and forestry approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority before operations began in the assigned areas.
Committee uncovers financial liabilities
The review also brought to light significant financial obligations allegedly owed by Adamus.
The committee found US$2.56 million in unpaid mineral rights fees, GH¢86.8 million in unpaid royalties and GH¢290.5 million in tax arrears.
It also identified unexplained discrepancies in gold exports and found that US$224 million had been transferred to related parties outside Ghana between 2020 and 2024.
The committee further raised concerns over the company’s environmental obligations, noting that environmental bonds had only been partially fulfilled.
The review committee also faulted Adamus for failing to cooperate with the Interim Management Committee established to oversee the mine.
It concluded that the company had deliberately concealed information and provided misleading data during the process.
With the Minister’s final determination, the review initiated following Adamus’ petition has now been brought to an end.
Minister moves to protect mine operations
Following the decision, Mr Buah and officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission visited the mine to engage key stakeholders, including workers.
The Minister assured workers that the Minerals Commission would take steps to ensure uninterrupted operations at the mine while government considers its next decision.
He also indicated that he intends to secure an order compelling Adamus to fully and promptly settle its outstanding royalty, tax and other financial obligations to the Government of Ghana.
The government’s decision leaves the revocation of the three mining leases in force while steps are taken to address the company’s outstanding liabilities and ensure continuity of mining operations.
