The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah‑Kofi Buah, has insisted that no mining company, local or foreign, will be allowed to operate outside Ghana’s laws, as he mounted a firm defence of regulatory action taken against Adamus Resources.

Speaking at a strategic policy dialogue with the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education in Accra on August 10, 2026, the minister said the decision followed findings by the Minerals Commission, which flagged “serious breaches” including mining without permits, use of unauthorised operators, and failure to cooperate with investigations.

“We have a country. We have institutions. The Minerals Commission is supposed to be the policeman in the industry. If you do not have that permit, you are illegal. If we are prosecuting the small guys, everybody must respect the institutions,” he stated.

Concerns were first raised by the Regional Chief Inspector of Mines and later confirmed by a verification team from Accra, which found the situation “even more serious.”

The lands minister also cited unresolved issues relating to taxes, royalties, statutory fees, and other financial obligations, noting that the Ministry was still awaiting documentation from the company.

Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI, urged government to provide Adamus with a “final pathway” to correct the breaches if the company demonstrates commitment to comply.

He argued that strong regulation must not erode investor confidence and that Ghanaian investors deserve fairness equal to foreign firms.

Armah-Kofi Buah responded positively, saying the Ministry was open to engagement if Adamus showed “genuine willingness to make the necessary corrections.”

The standoff is now seen as a test of Ghana’s regulatory credibility — whether laws will be enforced equally across the mining sector while maintaining a fair and predictable investment environment.

The lands minister stressed he remains “convinced I made the right decisions” but will cooperate with any lawful review. Adamus Resources is yet to issue a formal response.

“A mining licence does not place a company above the regulator. No mining company is bigger than Ghana,” he added.