Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has confirmed it did not issue a formal notice to Adamus Resources before revoking the company's mining leases. This admission comes from Mahmud Kabore, a spokesman for the Lands Minister. The lack of notice directly contradicts legal requirements under Ghanaian law.
The Minerals and Mining Act 2006, specifically Section 68(2), mandates that a minister must provide notice to a mineral right holder before suspending or cancelling a lease. This notice must allow the holder at least 120 days to remedy any identified breaches. Kabore stated on Asempa FM that Adamus received "no any notice at all because the Ghanaian company did not deserve to be notified." This position has drawn criticism from civil society organisations, who describe the revocation as "indecent haste to expropriate an indigenous private mine without recourse to the laws of the country."
This development fits into a broader narrative of regulatory scrutiny within Ghana's vital mining sector. The government has been keen to ensure compliance and maximise revenue from natural resources. However, the manner of this revocation could impact investor confidence, particularly regarding adherence to established legal frameworks. Ghana relies heavily on mining for foreign exchange earnings and government revenue, making regulatory certainty crucial for attracting and retaining investment.
Mahmud Kabore, the Lands Minister's spokesman, attempted to justify the Ministry's actions. He questioned how Adamus could remedy breaches that involved third-party engagement or operating without required permits. Kabore argued that some issues, like mining without a permit, are not remediable after the fact. This stance suggests a ministerial interpretation that bypasses the statutory notice period for certain types of infractions.
The immediate implication is a potential legal challenge from Adamus Resources, which has already rejected the allegations and challenged the initial revocation. The company argues the government failed to follow the statutory procedure. This dispute could lead to protracted legal battles, creating uncertainty for both the company and the broader mining industry. Investors will closely watch how this situation unfolds, as it sets a precedent for future regulatory actions in Ghana.
The dispute began in April 2026 when the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, first revoked Adamus Resources' Akango, Salman, and Nkroful mining leases. This followed investigations by the Minerals Commission. The government alleged sustained breaches of mining laws and regulations by Adamus. These included subleasing concessions to foreign nationals without approval and mining outside permitted areas without necessary operating permits. The Minerals Commission also cited Adamus for operating without environmental and forestry approvals. Furthermore, the company was accused of unpaid mineral rights fees, royalties, and taxes, along with other regulatory and financial concerns.
Adamus Resources, however, has consistently denied these allegations. The company labelled them as "manufactured and contrived." Adamus petitioned the Lands Minister for a review of the revocation decision. An independent review process was conducted, but on 10 August, the Minister upheld the original revocation. This administrative decision effectively ended the internal review process, pushing the matter towards potential judicial review. The ongoing conflict highlights the complexities and high stakes involved in Ghana's natural resource governance.