Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has directed the revocation of the Akango, Salman and Nkroful mining leases belonging to Adamus Resources Limited for violating Ghana’s minerals and mining laws.
The directive is based on investigation reports submitted by the Minerals Commission, which established that Adamus Resources Limited had engaged in unauthorised and illegal mining activities in the above-named concessions in breach of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and related regulations.
The directive was announced in a statement issued by the Lands Ministry on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
According to the statement, the revocation of the licenses is without “prejudice to any criminal charges that may be preferred against Adamus Resources Limited, and their respective directors and management under the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).”
Upon advice from the Minerals Commission, the Minister concluded that the revocation of Adamus’ mineral rights was necessary and in the interest of the public.
“In view of the gravity and deliberate nature of these breaches, the Minister, upon the advice and recommendation of the Minerals Commission given pursuant to section 100(2) of Act 703, has determined that immediate revocation of the mineral rights is warranted in the public interest, especially in cases where mineral rights are being used to facilitate illegal mining activities (“galamsey”) or where statutory requirements have been fundamentally violated,” the statement noted.
The Ministry assured that it will take steps to safeguard the lawful jobs and livelihoods of workers affected by the decision and will announce appropriate measures in due course.
It reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources, assuring that Government will continue to take decisive action against all forms of illegal mining.
The investigative report by the Minerals Commission established the following violations by Adamus Resources Limited:
- Adamus Resources Limited unlawfully sub-contracted mining operations on their concessions without obtaining the mandatory ministerial consent under section 14 of Act 703.
- Mining activities were undertaken without approved mining operating plans or valid operating permits issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines as required under Regulation 8(1) of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2182).
- The company failed to obtain the requisite approvals from regulatory agencies, including the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in accordance with section 18 of Act 703.
- Foreign nationals (Chinese) were unlawfully engaged in mining activities (“galamsey”) on the affected concessions in contravention of section 99(5)(a) and (b) of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
- Mining operations observed was substandard and was conducted outside designated mining areas and far from approved mine infrastructure.
- The illegal activities resulted in significant environmental degradation, including land disturbance damage to ecosystems, posing risks to water bodies, public health, and community livelihoods.
