LMWG Backs Adamus Mining Lease Revocation
Lands and Mines Watch Ghana (LMWG) has commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for upholding the revocation of three mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited.
The leases covering the Akango, Salman and Nkroful concessions were revoked following findings of significant regulatory breaches, including the unauthorised assignment of mineral rights to foreign nationals and mining activities conducted outside permitted areas without an approved operating permit.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director of Lands and Mines Watch Ghana, Kwame Owusu Danso, said the findings also established that Adamus commenced operations without securing the necessary environmental and forestry approvals and deliberately withheld information from the Interim Management Committee.
The organisation said the revelations highlight serious weaknesses in regulatory compliance and accountability within Ghana's mining sector and reinforce the need for stronger independent monitoring of mining operations.
Of particular concern, LMWG said, were the financial obligations reportedly uncovered during the process.
The organisation cited US$2.56 million in unpaid mineral rights fees, GHS 86.8 million in unpaid royalties and GHS290.5 million in tax arrears.
It further raised concerns over US$224 million allegedly transferred to related parties abroad between 2020 and 2024.
LMWG said the figures raised broader questions about revenue leakages in Ghana's extractive sector and the effectiveness of mechanisms designed to ensure that mining companies meet their financial and regulatory obligations to the state.
The organisation therefore endorsed the Minister's intention to secure an order compelling Adamus Resources Limited to settle its outstanding royalty, tax and other financial obligations to the state.
It urged the government to pursue the recovery of the outstanding funds without delay.
LMWG also called on the Minerals Commission to ensure that all outstanding environmental bonds are fully secured, stressing that the transition to uninterrupted operations at the affected mine sites must not weaken regulatory oversight.
The organisation said continued scrutiny would be necessary to ensure that future mining activities comply fully with Ghana's laws and environmental requirements.
“LMWG will continue to monitor developments at the Adamus concessions and similar cases as part of its Quarterly Compliance Performance Index,” the organisation stated.
It added that it remained prepared to support government efforts aimed at strengthening enforcement, transparency and accountability across Ghana's mining sector.
-Overseeronline.com
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