Adamus Resources rejects revocation of mining leases

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Adamus Resources rejects lease revocation, cites legal breaches

Adamus Resources Limited has rejected the government’s decision to uphold the revocation of its mining leases, arguing that the process was unlawful and failed to follow procedures prescribed under Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act.

The company’s position follows a decision by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to uphold the revocation of three mining leases covering the Akango, Salman and Nkroful concessions.

In a statement issued on August 12, 2026, Adamus Resources expressed “shock and disappointment” over the decision and said it intends to challenge the revocation.

The company maintained that the revocation was carried out “without regard to any of the statutory procedures laid down in the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).”

Adamus disputes allegations

Adamus Resources rejects revocation of mining leases Nukunya

Adamus Resources rejected the allegations cited by the government as the basis for revoking its mineral rights, describing them as “unfounded, contrived, and deliberately manufactured.”

The company alleged that the claims were intended to deprive it of its mining leases and accused the government of abusing its powers in the process leading to the revocation.

The dispute follows an investigation by the Minerals Commission, which identified several alleged breaches of Ghana’s mining laws and regulations.

The government subsequently established a Ministerial Review Committee after Adamus petitioned against the initial revocation. Following the committee’s review, the Lands Minister said he had decided to uphold the decision.

Government cites mining and financial breaches

According to findings cited by the government, Adamus Resources allegedly conducted mining activities outside permitted areas without the required operating permits.

The review committee also found that portions of the company’s concessions had allegedly been subleased to foreign nationals for independent mining operations without the required prior written approval from the Minister, contrary to Section 14(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act.

The government further cited significant financial obligations allegedly owed by the company, including US$2.56 million in unpaid mineral rights fees, GH¢86.8 million in unpaid royalties and GH¢290.5 million in tax arrears.

The review also identified what it described as unexplained discrepancies in gold exports and found that US$224 million had allegedly been transferred to related parties outside Ghana between 2020 and 2024.

Adamus Resources has rejected the allegations and maintained that the government did not have grounds to revoke its leases in the manner it did.

Company challenges revocation procedure

A major part of Adamus Resources’ objection concerns the procedure followed by the government.

The company argues that although the Minister has powers under Section 5(1) of Act 703 to revoke a mineral right, those powers must be exercised in accordance with the law.

According to Adamus, the law requires the Minister to notify a mining leaseholder of identified breaches and give the company at least 120 days to remedy them before a revocation can proceed.

The company contends that this requirement was not followed in its case.

It has therefore indicated that it will take legal steps to challenge the government’s decision, describing the revocation as baseless.

Minerals Commission takes administrative control

Despite Adamus Resources’ opposition, the government has directed the Minerals Commission to take immediate administrative control of the mine.

The arrangement is intended to ensure that mining operations continue while the government addresses the outstanding operational, safety and investment issues at the facility.

The Lands Minister has also said the government’s priority is to restore the mine to active production, protect jobs and attract the investment required to expand its operations.

Meanwhile, the government has indicated that it will seek a court order compelling Adamus Resources to settle its outstanding financial obligations.

The dispute between the government and Adamus Resources is therefore expected to move into a legal phase as the company challenges the revocation of its leases while the state proceeds with its plans for the future management of the mine.