Government urged not to reinstate Adamus Resources mining lease

Chiefs and people of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, have petitioned the Presidency, urging government not to reinstate the revoked mining lease of Adamus Resources Limited.

The petition, signed by HRM Awulae Blay IX, King and Overlord, accuses Adamus of years of “inadequate engagement” with traditional authorities and host communities. The chiefs say the company failed to respect community dignity, protect the environment, and safeguard livelihoods on their custodial lands.

In a strong cultural statement, the traditional council said it performed rites with ram and schnapps after the Minerals Commission revoked Adamus’ license. The rite, they explained, formally ended all ties with the company and barred it from operating on their land. To the chiefs, this decision is spiritual and non-negotiable.

Recent developments in Salman and nearby communities have reignited tensions, the petition notes. The chiefs warn that reinstating Adamus’ lease without proper consultations would undermine trust in mining regulation and risk fresh conflict in Ellembelle.

The traditional area stressed it is not against mining or development. However, HRM Awulae Blay IX insists any future mining must be transparent, environmentally responsible, and fair to host communities through proper compensation and local participation.

Copies of the petition have gone to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Minerals Commission CEO, EPA boss, Western Regional Minister, Ellembelle MP, DCE, and Council of State member. The chiefs say the Presidency’s decision will now test government’s commitment to community-centred mining governance.

FULL PETITION AS SUBMITTED

*SUBJECT: PETITION AGAINST THE REINSTATEMENT OF THE REVOKED MINING LICENSE OF ADAMUS RESOURCES LIMITED*

Your Excellency,

I write respectfully on behalf of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area – Ellembelle Maanle, affected landowners, and host communities within the operational area of Adamus Resources Limited, to petition your high office against any reinstatement of the revoked mining license previously granted to Adamus Resources Limited.

This petition is informed by longstanding concerns regarding the company’s operations, its relationship with host communities, and the overall impact of its activities on livelihoods and welfare in the affected areas.

Over the years, concerns have been raised about inadequate engagement with traditional authorities and host communities on matters affecting community lands, livelihoods, and related issues. This has resulted in growing mistrust and dissatisfaction among sections of the affected population.

Your Excellency, the people of Eastern Nzema Traditional Area – Ellembelle Maanle are not opposed to responsible mining or national development. However, we firmly believe mining must respect the dignity of host communities, protect the environment, safeguard livelihoods, and promote genuine stakeholder engagement. Unfortunately, many affected residents believe these expectations have not been met under Adamus Resources Limited.

Following the revocation of the license by the Minerals Commission, the leadership of Eastern Nzema Traditional Area – Ellembelle Maanle performed the necessary rites with ram and schnapps to formally discontinue any relationship with Adamus and to bar them from operating on our custodial lands. The current opposition to any license reinstatement reflects widespread community sentiment. Recent developments in Salman and surrounding communities have further heightened tensions and reinforced concerns regarding activities linked to the Adamus concession area.

We hold the considered view that reinstating the revoked license, without adequately addressing the grievances of affected communities and traditional authorities, risks reigniting tensions, undermining confidence in regulatory processes, and compromising efforts toward a transparent, peaceful, and sustainable relationship.

Your Excellency, the issues surrounding the Adamus concession have evolved beyond administrative concerns and now directly affect community stability, environmental sustainability, and public confidence in mining within Eastern Nzema Traditional Area – Ellembelle Maanle.

Based on the foregoing, we respectfully request that:

1. The revoked mining license of Adamus Resources Limited should not be reinstated. If reinstatement is considered, extensive stakeholder consultations involving traditional authorities, landowners, affected communities, and relevant local authorities must precede it.

2. Any future operational arrangement concerning the concession should prioritize transparency, accountability, environmental responsibility, and equitable stakeholder engagement.

3. Government considers a framework guaranteeing stronger community participation, fair compensation systems, and improved local development outcomes.

4. Independent assessments be conducted on environmental, social, and community-related concerns before any future licensing decisions.

Your Excellency, this petition is submitted in good faith, in the interest of peace, fairness, responsible resource governance, and the long-term welfare of the people of Eastern Nzema Traditional Area – Ellembelle Maanle.

We remain hopeful that your office will give due consideration to the concerns of the affected traditional authorities, landowners, and host communities.

Yours faithfully,

……………………………………

*HRM AWULAE BLAY IX*

King and Overlord

Eastern Nzema Traditional Area – Ellembelle Maanle {Atuabo}

CC:

1. Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Accra

2. Mr. Isaac Andrews Tandoh, CEO, Minerals Commission, Accra

3. Prof. Jerry Samuel Yaw Kuma, Chairman, Independent Ministerial Committee on Adamus Lease Revocation Review, Accra

4. Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, CEO, Environmental Protection Agency, Accra

5. Hon. Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister, Sekondi

6. Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, Ellembelle Constituency, Nkroful

7. Hon. Joseph Kwasi Armah Agyekum, DCE, Ellembelle District, Nkroful

8. Nana Bonya Kofi VI, Senior Divisional Chief of Basake & Chairman, Standing Committee, Eastern Nzema Traditional Council, Atuabo

9. H.E. Maxwell Boakye, Member, Council of State for Western Region, Accra