"Revocation was carried out under provisions of Act 703" — Minerals Commission CEO

The Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, has stated that the revocation of the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited was undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, Mr. Tandoh explained that the decision taken by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, followed extensive investigations and recommendations from the Commission.

According to him, the revoked leases cover the Akango, Salman and Nkroful concessions, where investigations uncovered what he described as repeated and serious breaches of Ghana’s mining laws. He stressed that the action was lawful, evidence-based and intended to protect the national interest.

Mr. Tandoh disclosed that inspections by the Commission’s Inspectorate Division revealed several violations, including unauthorized transfer of mineral rights to third parties without ministerial approval, mining beyond approved concession boundaries, and operating without the required permits and approved plans.

He further alleged that foreign nationals, particularly some Chinese operators, were engaged in illegal mining activities on the concessions, while heavy-duty equipment such as excavators and bulldozers were found operating at unauthorized sites.

The CEO warned that the illegal activities had caused environmental destruction, including damage to land and threats to nearby water bodies, while also denying the state legitimate mining revenue.

He noted that although the law often allows companies time to rectify breaches, the gravity and deliberate nature of the offences justified immediate revocation under Act 703.

Mr. Tandoh added that the action does not rule out possible criminal prosecution of the company and its directors under the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

He reiterated that the Minerals Commission remains committed to enforcing compliance across the sector and warned that companies that abuse mineral rights or use leases to support illegal mining will face severe sanctions, including license cancellation.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith