Committee uncovers massive rot at Adamus Mining; costs Ghana millions
A Ministerial Committee set up by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has uncovered what it describes as “horrid rot” at Adamus Mining Company in the Nzema East enclave of the Western Region.
The committee’s report, sighted by this paper, accuses Adamus of failing to pay surface rents, royalties and corporate taxes running into millions of dollars over several years, in violation of its mining lease agreement.
The findings provided the legal basis for the government’s recent revocation of Adamus’s mining lease, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the mining industry.
According to the report, Adamus engaged in systematic under-declaration of gold production, operated beyond its approved concession boundaries, and failed to reclaim degraded lands as required under EPA regulations. The company also allegedly failed to implement its local content obligations, denying jobs and contracts to Nzema indigenes.
The report further links CEO Angela List to a complex corporate structure that allegedly diverted profits offshore through related-party transactions, depriving Ghana of much-needed revenue.
Lands Minister Armah-Kofi Buah is said to have forwarded the report to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution and recovery of funds.
“The state has been shortchanged for years. This is economic sabotage,” a source at the Ministry said.
Workers at Adamus have expressed fear over job security, but government insists the revocation will pave the way for a more transparent investor who will respect Ghana’s laws and create more local jobs.
The Ghana Mine Workers Union has called for a structured transition plan to protect workers.
Adamus is yet to officially respond, but close associates say the company will challenge the revocation in court, describing the committee’s work as politically motivated.
Civil society groups including WACAM have welcomed the action, calling it a long overdue step to clean up the mining sector.
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