The Minerals Commission has justified the revocation of the mining lease of Adamus Resources Limited, citing what it describes as “systematic and flagrant violations” of Ghana’s mining laws, while referring the matter to the Attorney General’s Department for possible prosecution.
In a detailed briefing, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, defended the decision announced by Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, insisting the action was lawful and evidence-based.
“The findings disclosed systematic and flagrant violation of Ghana’s mining laws,” Mr. Tandoh stated, adding that although “Section 68(2) of Act 703 and Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 require a notice period to remedy breaches, immediate revocation is justified where public interest and environmental protection demand urgent action.”
According to him, investigations uncovered multiple breaches, including the unauthorised transfer of mineral rights. “Adamus Resources Limited unlawfully assigned portions of its mineral rights to third parties without obtaining prior ministerial consent, in breach of Section 14 of Act 703,” he revealed.
He further indicated that the company exceeded its approved operational scope. “The company released three out of four concession areas… outside its approved mining areas without access to processing infrastructure, and no mineral resource or reserve was defined to justify any legally sanctioned operations,” he said.
Mr. Tandoh also pointed to illegal mining activities on the ground. “Active mining operations were observed at Akango and Salman concessions using excavators and bulldozers without approved operating plans or permits from the Chief Inspector of Mines,” he disclosed.
He stressed that the gravity of the violations left the Minister with no alternative. “These serious and deliberate violations… provide compelling and lawful grounds for the Honourable Minister to terminate the mining lease… forthwith,” he said.
Rejecting suggestions of political interference, Mr. Tandoh maintained that “this decision was neither arbitrary nor politically motivated; it was lawful, evidence-based action taken to protect Ghana’s natural resources.”
Mr. Tandoh also announced the criminal aspect of the breaches has been referred to the Attorney General for action against management of Adamus. “The revocation…serves as a precedent –illegality will not be disguised as investment. These revocation are without prejudice to criminal charges against Adamus Resources and its directors under the Act 995. The Commission will work with the AG to prosecute these perpetuators.”
While the Commission insists due process was followed, lawyers for Adamus Resources have rejected the allegations, setting the stage for a potential legal battle over the revocation.
