The Chief of Salman in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, Nana Gyan Aka VI, has backed the government's decision to permanently revoke the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited, citing years of alleged illegal activities and a lack of development.

Addressing a press conference held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in Salman, Nana Gyan Aka VI asked the public to disregard reports suggesting that the youth of Salman support Adamus Resources.

"Disregard any news that says 'Salman youth backs Adamus'. I state emphatically that we do not back Adamus, but we rather want the company out of our land as soon as possible," he said.

He described some individuals who appeared in a MyJoyOnline publication defending Adamus — Banabas Ewereko, Kabutey Jonas, and Francis Awuah — as imposters who do not represent the people of Salman.

Background to the Lease Revocation

In May 2026, the government, through the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, revoked the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited on the Salman, Nkroful and Akango* concessions. The revocation followed allegations that the company had transferred parts of its concessions to some Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining at Salman. The action came after a state security raid and arrests at the site.

The Chief Executive Officer of Adamus, Angela List, later petitioned the Lands Minister to reconsider the decision.

In response, the Minister constituted an independent committee to review the petition and engage locals in the Ellembelle District.

The committee is yet to present its report. In the meantime, an Interim Management Committee (IMC) is supervising operations on the concessions.

Traditional Leaders United Against Adamus

The President of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council and Paramount Chief of Atuabo, Awulae Blay IX, had earlier backed the government's decision not to return the leases to Adamus.

Awulae Blay IX stated that the company had engaged in illegal activities on their land for a long time and that past governments did nothing about it. He added that Adamus does not respect the traditional council and "has failed to do a single project in the Ellembelle District."

The Chief's spokesperson in Salman also accused the company of failing to provide basic amenities.

"Adamus Mines hasn't built even a single borehole for Salman, where their plant is located. They should leave the land as soon as possible, else..." he cautioned.

The Tufuhene of Salman, who was present at Wednesday's press conference, also described the MyJoyOnline publication as "fake", saying both the youth and traditional leaders are united in calling for Adamus to exit.

Community Position

Nana Gyan Aka VI said Salman and the wider Ellembelle District want the government to be firm on its earlier decision and bring in a new investor who will mine responsibly and develop the community.

"The Adamus Resources Limited breached the Minerals and Mining Acts and must face the consequences. The government should look for a new mining investor to come and mine to develop our community," he urged.

Our independent findings suggest that a majority of residents in the Ellembelle District, including chiefs, do not want Adamus Resources Limited to continue operating on their land.

Efforts by this reporter to reach the management of Adamus Resources Limited for a response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.