The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has ordered the revocation of the Akango, Salman and Nkroful mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited, following confirmed violations of Ghana’s minerals and mining laws.

A press release, signed by the Communications Directorate of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, stated that the directive is based on investigation reports submitted by the Minerals Commission.

The reports found that unauthorized and illegal mining activities had taken place in the above concessions, in breach of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and related regulations.

The release says that Adamus Resources Limited unlawfully subcontracted mining operations on its concessions without obtaining the mandatory ministerial consent under section 14 of Act 703.

It further revealed that mining activities were carried out without approved mining operating plans or valid operating permits.

The company also failed to obtain the requisite approvals from relevant regulatory agencies, and did not comply with other statutory requirements.

"In view of the gravity and deliberate nature of these breaches, the Minister, upon the advice and recommendation of the Minerals Commission given pursuant to section 100(2) of Act 703, has determined that immediate revocation of the mineral rights is warranted in the public interest.

"Especially in cases where mineral rights are being used to facilitate illegal mining activities ("galamsey") or where statutory requirements have been fundamentally violated," it stated.

The release indicated that the revocation is without prejudice to any criminal charges that may be preferred against Adamus Resources Limited and its respective directors and management under the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

The Ministry assured that it will take steps to safeguard the lawful jobs and livelihoods of workers affected by the decision and will announce appropriate measures in due course.

It also reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and stated that it will continue to take decisive action against all forms of illegal mining.