The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has upheld the revocation of three mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited following a ministerial review of the company’s appeal.

Speaking during a working visit to the Adamus Mine at Salman in the Ellembelle District on Monday, August 10, 2026, Buah said the Ministerial Review Committee had completed its assessment and confirmed most of the breaches identified in the initial assessment.

“Following the report of the Minerals Commission to the Chief Inspector of Mines, and with recommendations of the grave violations of the Mining Act and mining regulations, a recommendation for the revocation of some mining leases was made,” he said.

Military secures Adamus Resources' mining site following lease cancellation

The leases covering the Akango, Salman and Nkroful concessions were revoked in April 2026 after the Minister acted on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission.

Buah said Adamus Resources subsequently petitioned the decision, prompting the establishment of the Ministerial Review Committee to examine the matter.

“The Minister agreed with them; there was a petition, and we formed the Ministerial Review Committee. That work has come to an end. As a Minister, I have concluded to uphold the revocation,” he added.

According to the Minister, the decision means the Minerals Commission must immediately assume administrative control of the mine.

“What that means is that the Minerals Commission should, with immediate effect, take administrative control of this mine,” he said.

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

According to the Commission, Adamus was found to have unauthorisedly assigned portions of its mineral rights to foreign nationals for independent mining operations without the prior written approval of the Minister.

The Commission also found that mining had taken place outside demarcated and permitted areas without an approved Operating Permit from the Chief Inspector of Mines, contrary to Regulations 200(1)(b) and 200(1)(d) of L.I. 2176.

Adamus was further found to have commenced operations in assigned areas without the required environmental and forestry approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority, contrary to Section 18 of Act 703.

The company was also accused of failing to cooperate with the Interim Management Committee overseeing the mine.

The review committee identified 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 Adamus transferred US$224 million to related parties abroad between 2020 and 2024.

Buah said the government was considering options to revitalise the mine, restore production and create jobs for residents of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area.

He also indicated plans to secure an order compelling Adamus to settle its outstanding royalty, tax and other financial obligations to the Government of Ghana.

Meanwhile, government has emphasised that its decision was based on the findings of the Minerals Commission and the subsequent review conducted by the Inter-Ministerial Committee.

Government upholds revocation of Adamus Mine lease




MA