Omanghana
The chiefs, youth and residents of Salman in the Ellembelle District have called on the government to secure a credible investor following the revocation of mining leases previously held by Adamus Resources Limited.
Community leaders welcomed the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ decision to uphold the cancellation of the company’s Akango, Salman and Nkroful leases.
They urged the government to select a replacement operator capable of creating employment, protecting the environment and delivering meaningful development to communities affected by mining.
Residents Support Lease Revocation
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, initially revoked the three leases in April 2026 on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission.
The decision was upheld in August following a review of Adamus Resources’ petition against the initial action.
The Minerals Commission said inspections uncovered sustained and material violations of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and its subsidiary legislation.
Adamus Resources has disputed the government’s findings and described the revocation as unlawful. The company maintains that it complied with its obligations and has challenged aspects of the process used to withdraw the leases.
Community Wants Responsible Operator
Salman Assembly Member Yakub Abdul Aziz said residents were not opposed to mining but wanted an investor committed to responsible operations.
He called for an operator that would respect human rights, engage traditional authorities and priorities qualified residents when recruiting workers.
Community leaders also want stronger corporate social responsibility programs covering roads, education, healthcare, youth development and alternative livelihoods.
They argued that host communities should receive visible and sustainable benefits in return for the land, resources and social disruptions associated with mining.
Residents Complain About Poor Roads
One of the community’s major grievances concerns the road linking Teleku-Bokazo and Salman.
Residents said the route had remained dusty and poorly maintained despite years of mining activity and the regular movement of heavy vehicles through the area.
They argued that the condition of the road affected transportation, businesses and public health.
Community representatives want any future investor to rehabilitate and regularly maintain roads within the mining area rather than relying entirely on the government and district assembly.
Concerns Raised Over Resettlement Houses
Residents also complained about the quality of some houses constructed as part of earlier resettlement arrangements.
They alleged that roofing and other components of the housing units were below the expected standard, leaving some structures vulnerable to deterioration.
The community wants outstanding defects assessed and corrected before control of the mine is transferred to another company.
It also called for future resettlement agreements to include stronger construction standards, independent inspections and effective grievance procedures.
Tailings Facility Requires Continued Oversight
The community raised environmental concerns surrounding the mine’s tailings storage infrastructure.
Residents want the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Authority to ensure that construction, maintenance, monitoring and rehabilitation responsibilities are not abandoned during the transition.
Tailings facilities contain waste generated during mineral processing and require continuous technical oversight, even when ownership or operational control changes.
Community leaders therefore called for independent inspections and public communication about the condition of the facility and any remaining environmental obligations.
Traditional Council Seeks Role in Investor Selection
The chiefs and youth appealed to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission to involve the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council in decisions concerning the future of the concessions.
They argued that traditional leaders and host communities understand the area’s social, cultural and environmental concerns and should not be excluded from negotiations with prospective investors.
Their proposed consultation process would allow residents to examine commitments on employment, local procurement, compensation, environmental protection and corporate social responsibility before a new operator is approved.
Government Assures Workers of Operational Continuity
Following the final decision on the leases, the Lands Minister led officials from the ministry and Minerals Commission on a visit to the mine.
The government said the Minerals Commission would provide administrative oversight while an interim management arrangement ensured continuity until a final decision was announced.
Officials also assured mine workers that operations would not be abruptly disrupted during the transition.
The government says its review found unauthorised assignment of mineral rights, operations outside approved areas and failures to obtain required environmental and forestry approvals.
Additional findings included alleged arrears in mineral-rights fees, royalties and taxes. Adamus Resources continues to contest the government’s account.
For Salman residents, the priority is ensuring that the transition produces a responsible mining arrangement that protects livelihoods, creates jobs and addresses long-standing development concerns.
Source: Omanghana
