Traditional authorities in the Asante Akyem enclave of the Ashanti Region have endorsed the government’s decision to revoke Northern Ashanti Mines’ mining lease, calling for stricter monitoring of mining companies and greater accountability in the management of Ghana’s mineral resources.
The chiefs, including Mennamhene, Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah, and Konongo Chief, Nana Dr Awuah Abedimisa II, said mining companies must demonstrate the financial and technical capacity to develop their concessions while fulfilling statutory obligations and contributing to host communities.
Their position follows the Minerals Commission’s termination of Northern Ashanti Mines’ mineral rights over alleged breaches of statutory and contractual obligations, including failure to pay outstanding fees and undertake meaningful mining operations.
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Speaking on behalf of Juansamanhene, Nana Kwaku Dankwah Opamago Kodie II, Mennamhene Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah said the government is justified in revoking the lease, stressing that no mining company should be above the law.
He noted that companies holding mining concessions are required to pay taxes, annual mineral right fees and other statutory revenues due to the state. Failure to meet these obligations, he said, provides legitimate grounds for regulatory action.
He also criticised companies that portray themselves as victims after breaching mining regulations, describing such conduct as detrimental to responsible mining.
Nana Dr Awuah Abedimisa II also backed the decision, describing Northern Ashanti Mines’ performance as below expectations.
He questioned the company’s financial capacity to undertake effective gold mining operations and urged the Minerals Commission to ensure that the selection of a new operator follows transparent procedures and proper due diligence.
He said the incoming investor must possess the financial strength, technical expertise and operational efficiency to develop the concession and generate meaningful economic benefits.
The chiefs further called on the new operator to prioritise community development and comply fully with Ghana’s mining laws. Nana Tweneboah Kodua Bempah disclosed that the traditional authorities are prepared to engage the incoming company to discuss development priorities and establish a working relationship.
The Minerals Commission announced the revocation in a press release dated October 27, 2026, citing provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176).
According to the Commission, Northern Ashanti Mines owes US$8.33 million in outstanding Annual Mineral Right fees covering 2010 to 2025, alongside US$49,928 in prospecting licence fees from 2019 to 2025.
The company reportedly failed to comply with notices issued on April 14, 2025, requiring it to remedy the breaches. It also failed to undertake meaningful mining operations for more than two years, contrary to Section 69(1) of Act 703.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources approved the termination on April 24, 2026, following which the Commission terminated the mineral rights on April 30, 2026.
The chiefs believe the change presents an opportunity to secure a capable investor who will ensure that the area’s mineral wealth delivers tangible benefits to the state and surrounding communities.