The Eastern Nzema Traditional Council (Ellembele Maanle) has thrown its weight behind the government’s decision to revoke the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited.
Addressing a press briefing, Paramount Chief of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, HRM Awulae Blay IX, described the move as a major relief, bringing an end to years of destructive mining activities on their lands.
Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, on April 26, 2026, announced the revocation of Adamus Resources Limited’s mining leases covering the Akango, Salman, and Nkroful concessions.
According to HRM Awulae Blay IX, the issue has long been a “thorn in the flesh” of affected communities due to years of illegal, irresponsible, and environmentally damaging mining operations.
“We are not opposed to development. We are opposed to destruction. We have witnessed a systematic erosion of environmental regulations over a long period of time, and we had less power to fight this mining company on our own.
But we are grateful to the current leadership. President John Dramani Mahama has never wavered in his commitment to protect the environment and the ordinary Ghanaian,” he said.
He therefore welcomed the government’s decision, noting that the findings of the Minerals Commission provide sufficient justification for the revocation.
“The findings of the Minerals Commission revealed a cartel of destruction. Adamus Resources Limited was found guilty of multiple breaches: it unlawfully subcontracted its operations without ministerial approval; allowed foreign nationals, including Chinese operatives, to engage in illegal mining (galamsey) on our lands; operated without approved mining plans and valid environmental permits from the EPA; and caused significant land degradation and threatened our water bodies.”
The chiefs are also urging the government not to reinstate the licence and to pursue prosecution to ensure that the alleged illegalities by Adamus Resources Limited do not go unpunished.
“Do not reinstate this licence. Do not negotiate with those who poisoned our waters. Furthermore, the Ministry has indicated that this revocation does not preclude criminal prosecution. I urge the Attorney-General to take up this matter. Those directors and management who facilitated this illegality must face the full rigours of Act 995,” he intimated.
He also cautioned the youth:
“Do not go back to the pits. Don’t attempt to fill the vacuum left by Adamus with your own galamsey activities. The government has revoked the large-scale licence to stop destruction, not to give you a turn to destroy.”
“We will engage with the Ministry to bring in responsible Community Mining Schemes (CMS) that are regulated and protect the environment. Let us protect the land so that the land will protect us,” he added.
To cement their resolve against Adamus Resources Limited, a sheep was sacrificed.
HRM Awulae Blay IX further called for the continued presence of military and police personnel on the concession until all equipment is removed. He also urged the immediate involvement of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the environmental damage and ensure the company bears the cost of restoration.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
