By Issah Olegor
A major policy shift in the fight against illegal mining has unfolded as the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has revoked key mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited, following confirmed violations of the country’s mining laws.
In a directive issued on April 26, 2026, the Ministry announced the immediate revocation of the Akango, Salman and Nkroful concessions after investigations by the Minerals Commission uncovered extensive breaches of regulatory requirements.
The decision marks a significant development, particularly against the backdrop of earlier public denials by some assembly members in the Ellembelle District, who had dismissed reports of any dispute or irregularities involving Adamus Resources.
In a rejoinder dated April 22, 2026, the assembly members insisted there was no petition to the sector minister and no ongoing conflict linked to the company’s operations, urging the public to disregard what they described as misinformation.
However, findings from the Minerals Commission appear to contradict those earlier assurances, pointing instead to systemic violations within the company’s concessions.
According to the Ministry, investigations—backed by documentary and photographic evidence—revealed that Adamus Resources Limited engaged in unauthorised sub-contracting of its mining operations without securing the required ministerial approval under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The company was also found to have conducted mining activities without approved operational plans or valid permits from the Chief Inspector of Mines, in breach of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012.
Further breaches included failure to obtain mandatory approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority, as well as the alleged involvement of foreign nationals—particularly Chinese operators—in illegal mining activities, contrary to provisions of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
The report also highlighted that mining operations on the affected concessions were carried out in substandard conditions, often outside designated mining zones and far from approved infrastructure.
These activities, authorities say, resulted in significant environmental degradation, including land destruction and risks to water bodies, public health, and community livelihoods.
Based on these findings, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah invoked provisions under Section 100(2) of Act 703 to revoke the leases in the public interest, citing the severity and deliberate nature of the violations, particularly where concessions were allegedly used to facilitate illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The Ministry further indicated that the revocation does not preclude possible criminal proceedings against the company, its directors, or management under applicable laws.
Despite the strong regulatory action, government says steps will be taken to protect legitimate workers whose livelihoods may be affected by the decision, with further interventions expected to be announced.
