THE LAW IS THE LAW: GOVERNMENT OF GHANA DEFENDS LAWFUL TERMINATION OF NORTHERN ASHANTI MINES AFTER 15 YEARS OF NON-PAYMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27 October 2026

The Minerals Commission has noted with grave concern the ongoing media campaign by Northern Ashanti Mines Limited, formerly Owere Mines, seeking to solicit public sympathy over the lawful exercise of statutory powers by the Commission. The company’s Mining Leases and Prospecting Licence were terminated in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176), and the applicable agreements, following persistent breaches of Ghanaian law.

In January 2010, the company acquired a mining lease covering 595 cadastral blocks in respect of the Owere Mines. Under Section 24 of Act 703 and the terms of the mining lease agreement, the company was required to pay Annual Mineral Right (AMR) fees to the Minerals Commission annually.

On 14 April 2025, pursuant to Section 68(2) of Act 703 and Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176, the Commission issued Notices to Remedy Breach requiring the company to settle outstanding AMR fees for its mining leases from 2010 to 2025 and prospecting licences from 2019 to 2025. The outstanding amount for the mining leases was US$8,330,000, while the amount owed in respect of prospecting licences was US$49,928. The company failed to comply within the stipulated period.

It was further established that the company had not undertaken any meaningful mining operations on the concession for more than two years, in direct contravention of Section 69(1) of Act 703.

Following the company’s failure to remedy the breaches, and in accordance with the law, the Minerals Commission on 7 April 2026 notified the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources of its intention to serve a notice of termination of the lease. The Minister approved the issuance of the notice on 24 April 2026, after which the Commission proceeded to act accordingly on 30 April 2026.

The Minerals Commission wishes to state categorically that it acted lawfully and followed due process at every stage. The company was given every opportunity to regularise its position but chose not to. Mineral rights are not an inheritance. Once granted, a holder must abide by the rules, whether it is an indigenous company or not. This includes paying statutory fees and undertaking meaningful mining operations.

Following termination, the mineral rights reverted to the State as the lawful owner, without prejudice to liabilities incurred by the company before termination, including its outstanding debts. The Commission reserves the right to pursue payment of all sums owed to the State. The State also has a responsibility to protect and secure assets that have reverted to it from being dissipated or overrun by encroachers or other illegal actors. The mining laws provide for the status of mining assets following termination of such rights under Section 70 of Act 703.

The Commission further notes that the company has instituted legal proceedings against the State in a court of competent jurisdiction, challenging the Government’s exercise of its rights after duly acknowledging receipt of the termination notice. Having done so, it is improper and contemptuous of the judicial process for the company to simultaneously resort to the court of public opinion, peddle false narratives and solicit sympathy over a matter in which it flagrantly violated the law.

The Minerals Commission remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the law without fear or favour and will not be distracted by media theatrics.

Signed

Communications and Corporate Affairs Directorate
Minerals Commission, Ghana

Minerals House, 12 Switchback Road, Residential Area, Cantonments
P. O. Box M248, Accra – Ghana | GL-060-1131
Tel: 0302 772783 / 773053 / 771318 | Fax: 0302 773324
Email: info@mincom.gov.gh | Website: www.mincom.gov.gh