Adamus Resources mining lease dispute in Ghana

In July 2026, traditional leaders and youth in Salman, Ghana, issued statements urging the public to disregard what they described as false and misleading information regarding Adamus Mining Company. Local officials, including Chief Nana Kwamena Bentum II, alleged that individuals linked to illegal mining were spreading misinformation to undermine the company’s lawful operations.

By August 2026, the Ghanaian government upheld the revocation of three mining leases held by Adamus Resources Ltd, covering the Akango, Salman, and Nkroful concessions. Following a review by a Ministerial Review Committee, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, stated that the committee affirmed most breaches of mining laws and regulations. Investigations by the Minerals Commission revealed specific violations of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, including unauthorized assignment of mineral rights, mining outside permitted areas, and failure to obtain environmental approvals. The company also faces significant financial liabilities, including GHS 290.5 million in tax debts and GHS 86.8 million in unpaid mineral royalties.

The Minerals Commission has been directed to take immediate administrative oversight of the Adamus Mine to ensure an orderly transition. While the Ministry rejected claims that the revocation aims to facilitate asset sales, Adamus Resources has labeled the move an ‘illegal abuse of power’ and intends to challenge the decision in court.

On August 16, 2026, Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, called on the Minister to reassess the revocation. Cudjoe alleged that the Minerals Commission failed to follow due process under the Minerals and Mining Act and characterized the accusations against the company as ‘heavily contrived and choreographed’ following only three days of investigation. He further described the appointment of an Interim Management Committee to oversee operations as an ‘illegal seizure’ and warned that the handling of the case could damage the integrity of legitimate mining operations.