Accra: The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has asserted that no mining company, whether local or foreign, will be permitted to operate outside Ghana's laws. This statement came as he staunchly defended regulatory measures taken against Adamus Resources.
According to Ghana Web, the minister's declaration was made during a strategic policy dialogue with the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education in Accra on August 10, 2026. The minister explained that the decision was based on findings by the Minerals Commission, which identified 'serious breaches' such as mining without permits, employing unauthorized operators, and failing to cooperate with investigations.
'We have a country. We have institutions. The Minerals Commission is supposed to be the policeman in the industry. If you do not have that permit, you are illegal. If we are prosecuting the small guys, everybody must respect the institutions,' Armah-Kofi Buah stated emphatically.
Initial concerns were raised by the Regional Chief Inspector of Mines and later verified by a team from Accra, which deemed the violations as 'even more serious.' The minister also highlighted unresolved issues concerning taxes, royalties, statutory fees, and other financial obligations, noting that the Ministry was still awaiting necessary documentation from Adamus Resources.
Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI, encouraged the government to offer Adamus a 'final pathway' to rectify the breaches, provided the company shows a commitment to compliance. He emphasized that while strong regulation is essential, it should not undermine investor confidence and that Ghanaian investors deserve the same level of fairness as foreign firms.
Armah-Kofi Buah expressed willingness to engage with Adamus Resources if they demonstrate a 'genuine willingness to make the necessary corrections.' The ongoing situation is now regarded as a test of Ghana's regulatory credibility, with the focus on whether laws will be uniformly enforced across the mining sector while ensuring a fair and predictable investment climate.
The lands minister reiterated his conviction in the decisions made, stating his readiness to cooperate with any lawful review. So far, Adamus Resources has not issued an official response. 'A mining licence does not place a company above the regulator. No mining company is bigger than Ghana,' he concluded.