The Government of Ghana has revoked the Akango, Salman and Nkroful mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited for violating Mineral and Mining laws of the land and causing environmental damage.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, who directed the revocation has explained that the affected concessions – Akango, Salman and Nkroful – were withdrawn after investigations by the Minerals Commission revealed widespread illegal mining activities and regulatory breaches.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the company unlawfully subcontracted mining operations without obtaining mandatory ministerial approval, in violation of provisions under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The statement said it was found that mining activities were conducted on those concessions without approved operating plans or valid permits from the Chief Inspector of Mines, and that the company failed to secure necessary approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
It said investigators had also identified the involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining activities (galamsey) on the affected concessions, contrary to Ghana’s mining regulations.
The report of the Minerals Commission had described the operations as substandard and conducted outside designated mining areas, resulting in significant environmental degradation, including land destruction and pollution of water bodies, which are hazardous to public health and local livelihoods.
It is upon these findings by the Minerals Commission that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources approved the immediate revocation of the leases in the public interest, citing the severity and deliberate nature of the violations.
The Ministry indicated that the decision does not preclude possible criminal charges against the company, its directors, or management under the applicable laws.
It also assured that measures would be put in place to protect the livelihoods of workers affected by the revocation, hinting that further details would be announced in due course.
The Ministry reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s natural resources and pledged to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining across the country.
It would be recalled that aggrieved residents of Salma, Akamgo, Salems, Bamiako, Adelkezo, Eshiamu, Dominiasie and Awukyire of the Nzema East District in the Western Region recently protested against illegal mining activities on concessions belonging to Adamus Resources Limited.
The demonstrators were accusing Adamus Resources Limited of allowing foreign nationals to operate on portions of its mining concessions in the area while local people have no access to some of the lands for their own livelihoods.
They claim that the said concessions have allegedly been leased to foreign nationals who are engaged in alluvial mining and pleaded with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to investigate and address the unlawful conduct of Adamus Resources Limited.
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