'We followed the law' - Adamus Resources denies illegal mining claims

Adamus Resources Limited has refuted allegations of its involvement in illegal mining following reports of the revocation of its licences by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

In a press statement dated April 29, 2026, the indigenous Ghanaian mining firm rejected the claims and instead pointed to what it described as a failure by authorities to adhere to established legal procedures governing the extractive sector.

Adamus maintained that it operates lawfully, stating that it is “a duly licensed, indigenous Ghanaian mining company operating under valid leases and permits granted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Ghana.”

Lease Revocation: Minerals Commission hits back at Adamus Resources

The company added that it “remains fully compliant with its regulatory obligations and continues to operate within the framework of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).”

It emphasised that the law provides a structured framework for managing mineral rights, noting that “Section 68 of the Act outlines the conditions and procedures under which a mineral right may be suspended or cancelled, requiring due process, justification, and adherence to established legal standards.”

The company further stressed that “any action affecting a mining lease must follow due process, including the provision of reasons, an opportunity to respond, and adherence to statutory procedures,” warning that “any departure from these requirements raises serious questions about regulatory certainty and the rule of law.”

According to Adamus, it has been dealing with persistent illegal mining activities within its concessions and has repeatedly reported such incidents to the police and other authorities.

“What the company has faced is a sustained and complex challenge of illegal mining activities within its concessions at Akango, Salman, Nkroful, and surrounding areas,” the statement said, describing the operations as “persistent, organised and, in several instances, raising serious safety and security concerns.”

The company said it has consistently documented and reported these activities through official channels, engaging relevant state institutions and seeking lawful intervention to protect its concessions.

It also pointed to enforcement actions by security agencies, noting that “interventions led to the identification of illegal mining sites and the arrest of individuals involved,” although it acknowledged instances of resistance at some sites, reflecting the complexity of the situation.

On equipment used in illegal mining, the company expressed concern over unresolved investigations, stating that “several excavators and machines were identified and seized,” but that “the ownership and control of such equipment have not been conclusively established, despite the availability of information.”

Adamus further revealed that it declined multiple requests for access to its concessions for activities it deemed unlawful. According to the statement, individuals had approached the company seeking to undertake “community” or small-scale mining operations, but these requests were “not consistent with the law or the company’s legal mandate.”

“It is against this background that the current allegations must be viewed,” the statement said, arguing that “a regulated mining company operating under valid leases, subject to continuous oversight, cannot reasonably be expected to engage in illegal mining within its own concessions.”

The company warned that investor confidence is closely tied to perceptions of regulatory fairness, stability, and respect for legal processes, cautioning that actions taken outside established procedures risk undermining confidence in the sector.

In a bid to reinforce its position, Adamus disclosed that it holds evidence relating to illegal mining within its concessions. It said it is “in possession of extensive documentary material, including photographs, video footage, and audio records,” which will be made available to appropriate authorities or any credible investigative body when required.

The company also firmly denied allegations that it facilitated bail for suspects, stating that it “categorically refutes” such claims and insisting that “available official records clearly indicate that no such connection exists.”

Adamus reaffirmed its commitment to lawful operations, stressing that “the issues at hand must be addressed on the basis of fairness, due process, and respect for the legal framework governing the mining sector.”

Background

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revoked the Akango, Salman, and Nkroful mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited over alleged illegal mining activities and multiple breaches of Ghana’s mining laws.

The company is also alleged to have acted unlawfully by subcontracting its mining operations without obtaining the required ministerial consent, contrary to Section 14 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).