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Traditional leaders in the Asante Akyem enclave of the Ashanti Region have backed the Minerals Commission’s decision to revoke the mining lease of Northern Ashanti Mines, insisting that no mining company should operate above Ghana’s laws.
The chiefs say the government was justified in terminating the company’s mineral rights over alleged failures to meet statutory financial obligations and develop its mining concession.
They maintained that mining companies operating in Ghana must pay their taxes, mineral right fees and other legally required charges, warning that failure to fulfil these obligations should attract appropriate regulatory action.
The position was announced at a news conference addressed by traditional leaders from the area.
Chiefs Cite Unpaid Fees and Poor Mining Performance
The Mennamhene, Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah, who spoke on behalf of the Juansamanhene, Nana Kwaku Dankwah Opamago Kodie II, said Northern Ashanti Mines had failed to meet its financial obligations and had not demonstrated sufficient commitment to developing the concession.
He criticised mining companies that portray themselves as victims after allegedly breaching regulatory requirements, arguing that such conduct undermines efforts to promote responsible mining.
The Konongo chief, Nana Dr Awuah Abedimsa II, also supported the Minerals Commission’s decision.
He said the company’s performance had fallen below expectations and questioned whether it had demonstrated the financial capacity required to operate an effective gold mining business.
Nana Dr Awuah Abedimsa II urged the Minerals Commission to follow due process in selecting a new operator, emphasising the importance of choosing an investor with adequate financial resources, technical expertise and operational capacity.
The chiefs further called on the incoming operator to comply fully with Ghana’s mining laws and make community development a priority.
Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah said the new company must learn from the circumstances surrounding the termination of the previous operator’s mineral rights.
Minerals Commission Explains Reasons for Revocation
In a statement dated October 27, 2026, the Minerals Commission said the termination was carried out in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176), and the company’s agreements with the state.
According to the Commission, Northern Ashanti Mines owed US$8.33 million in annual mineral right fees on its mining leases for the period between 2010 and 2025.
The company also reportedly owed US$49,928 in fees relating to prospecting licences covering the period from 2019 to 2025.
The Commission said it issued notices to the company on April 14, 2025, directing it to remedy the breaches and settle its outstanding obligations within a specified period.
However, it maintained that the company failed to comply with the directives.
The regulator also cited the absence of meaningful mining activity on the concession for more than two years, which it said constituted a breach of Section 69(1) of Act 703.
Minister Approved Termination
The Minerals Commission further explained that it notified the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources on April 7, 2026, and requested approval to issue a termination notice.
The Minister granted approval on April 24, 2026, after which the Commission proceeded with the termination of the company’s mineral rights.
At a separate news conference at the Commission’s headquarters in Accra, its Chief Executive Officer, Isaac Tandoh, rejected allegations that the Commission and the Minister had acted in bad faith.
Mr Tandoh maintained that the Minister had exercised his lawful authority before the termination process was completed.
Minerals Commission Disputes US$1 Million Payment Claim
The Commission’s CEO also challenged Northern Ashanti Mines’ claim that it had paid US$1 million in annual mineral right fees.
According to Mr Tandoh, the Commission’s records showed that the company had paid only US$300,000 in two instalments.
The disagreement over the payment figures forms part of the wider dispute surrounding the company’s financial obligations and the termination of its mineral rights.
Chiefs Want Responsible New Investor
The traditional leaders have urged the Minerals Commission to ensure that the next investor has the financial strength, technical capacity and operational efficiency required to develop the concession.
They also want the new operator to respect the interests of local communities and contribute meaningfully to development in the Asante Akyem area.
The chiefs’ position adds traditional authority support to the Commission’s decision, as attention turns to the selection of a new operator for the mining concession.
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