The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has revoked three mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited following findings of widespread illegal mining activities and regulatory breaches, authorities announced on April 26, 2026.
The affected concessions, Akango, Salman and Nkroful, were withdrawn after investigations by the Minerals Commission uncovered multiple violations of Ghana’s mining laws, including unauthorized subcontracting, lack of required permits, and environmental non-compliance.
In a statement, the Ministry said the decision was based on “documentary and pictorial evidence” confirming that Adamus had “unlawfully sub-contracted mining operations… without obtaining the mandatory ministerial consent,” in breach of Section 14 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The report further revealed that “mining activities were undertaken without approved mining operating plans or valid operating permits issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines,” and that the company failed to secure approvals from regulators such as the Environmental Protection Authority.
Authorities also cited the involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, contrary to provisions of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
According to the Ministry, operations on the concessions were “substandard and conducted outside designated mining areas and far from approved mine infrastructure,” resulting in severe environmental consequences.
“The illegal activities resulted in significant environmental degradation, including land disturbance and damage to ecosystems, posing risks to water bodies, public health, and community livelihoods,” the statement noted.
The Minister, acting on the Commission’s recommendations, said the breaches were “grave and deliberate,” justifying immediate revocation of the mineral rights in the public interest.
“In view of the gravity and deliberate nature of these breaches… immediate revocation of the mineral rights is warranted… especially where mineral rights are being used to facilitate illegal mining activities (‘galamsey’) or where statutory requirements have been fundamentally violated,” the statement said.
The Ministry emphasized that the revocation does not preclude possible criminal prosecution of the company, its directors, or management under existing laws.
It also assured affected workers that steps would be taken to protect lawful jobs and livelihoods, with further measures to be announced.
Reaffirming its stance, the Ministry said government remains committed to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and will “continue to take decisive action against all forms of illegal mining.”
