By Felix Cofie
The Minerals Commission has rejected allegations by Narawa Company Limited that its mining leases were wrongfully terminated, insisting that the decision followed due legal process after the company defaulted on annual mineral right fees amounting to $909,127.79.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Commission said the allegations of unlawful termination and the forcible takeover of Narawa’s operations were false and misrepresented the circumstances surrounding the revocation of the company’s mining leases.
Narawa held the Nsutam and Osiem mining leases but allegedly failed to meet its financial obligations under Section 24 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and Clause 27 of its mining lease agreement with the Government of Ghana.
According to the Commission, it issued notices directing the company to remedy the breach in accordance with Section 68(2) of Act 703 and Regulation 200(3) of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176).
However, the Commission said Narawa failed to settle the outstanding fees within the stipulated period.
It subsequently recommended the termination of the leases to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in a letter dated July 29, 2025. The Minister approved the recommendation on August 19, 2025, leading to the issuance of a formal notice of termination to the company on September 3, 2025.
Narawa No Longer Holds Rights Over Concessions
The Commission maintained that following the termination, Narawa ceased to hold any valid mineral right, interest or entitlement to the Nsutam and Osiem concession areas.
It said the mineral rights had reverted to the State, adding that any mining activities undertaken by Narawa in the affected areas after the termination date would constitute illegal mining.
The Commission also denied authorising or permitting any invasion of the concessions, explaining that the State had subsequently granted new mineral rights over the areas to two separate entities.
According to the statement, the two entities are currently operating within the law and complying with the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Arbitration Proceedings Pending
The Commission disclosed that Narawa initiated arbitration proceedings on December 12, 2025, to challenge the termination of its mineral rights.
It stressed that although the dispute remains pending, the termination of the leases continues to be in force until a final determination is made.
The Commission further criticised Narawa for taking its allegations to the media while the substantive dispute remains before a competent adjudicatory forum.
It described the company’s approach as improper and misleading, arguing that public allegations should not be used to circumvent established legal processes.
Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Due Process
Reaffirming its position, the Minerals Commission said it remained committed to the transparent and lawful administration of Ghana’s mineral resources.
The Commission added that it would not be influenced by what it described as attempts to misinform the public or bypass due legal process.
The statement was signed by the Commission’s Communications and Corporate Affairs Directorate.
The dispute centres on the termination of Narawa’s mining leases over the Nsutam and Osiem concessions, with the legality of that decision remaining a matter for determination through the pending arbitration proceedings.
