The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revoked the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited covering the Akango, Salman, and Nkroful concessions following serious findings of illegal mining activities and multiple regulatory breaches.
The decision, contained in a statement issued by the Ministry on Sunday, April 26, 2026, was based on detailed investigation reports from the Minerals Commission, which established that the company had engaged in unauthorised mining operations in violation of Ghana’s minerals and mining laws.
According to the report, Adamus Resources Limited sub-contracted mining activities on its concessions without obtaining the required ministerial approval, breaching Section 14 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
Investigations further revealed that the company operated without approved mining plans and valid operating permits from the Chief Inspector of Mines, contrary to Regulation 8(1) of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182).
The Minerals Commission also found that Adamus Resources Limited failed to secure mandatory approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), as required under Section 18 of Act 703.
Additionally, the investigations uncovered the involvement of foreign nationals, including Chinese nationals, in mining activities described as illegal, in breach of provisions of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
The report indicated that mining operations were conducted outside approved concession areas and away from designated infrastructure. This resulted in significant environmental degradation, including land disturbance and threats to water bodies, ecosystems, and nearby communities.
Citing the severity of the violations, the Minister acted on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission under Section 100(2) of Act 703. The revocation was deemed necessary in the public interest due to the use of the concessions to facilitate illegal mining activities (galamsey) and persistent breaches of regulatory requirements.
“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 ministry’s statement quoted.
According to the ministry, the revocation does not preclude possible criminal prosecution against Adamus Resources Limited, its directors, and management under the relevant provisions of the law.
The Ministry assured that measures will be taken to protect the livelihoods of workers affected by the decision, with further details to be communicated in due course.
