Minerals commission defends termination of Northern Ashanti Mines’ licences over 15 years of non-payment
Story by: Regina Bless
The Minerals Commission has defended the termination of the mining leases and prospecting licences of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited, formerly known as Owere Mines, citing unpaid statutory fees and prolonged inactivity on its mining concession.
In a press release dated October 27, 2026, the Commission stated that the decision was taken in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176), and the terms of the company’s agreements with the State.
The Commission’s response follows what it described as an ongoing media campaign by the company to solicit public sympathy over the termination of its mineral rights.
According to the statement, Northern Ashanti Mines acquired a mining lease covering 595 cadastral blocks in January 2010 and was required to pay Annual Mineral Right (AMR) fees to the Commission.
However, the Commission disclosed that on April 14, 2025, it issued notices requiring the company to settle outstanding fees covering mining leases from 2010 to 2025 and prospecting licences from 2019 to 2025.
The total outstanding amount for the mining leases was reportedly US$8.33 million, while fees relating to the prospecting licences amounted to US$49,928. The Commission said the company failed to settle the outstanding payments within the stipulated period.
It further alleged that the company had not undertaken any meaningful mining operations on the concession for more than two years, contrary to Section 69(1) of Act 703.
Following the company’s failure to address the breaches, the Minerals Commission notified the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources on April 7, 2026, requesting approval to issue a termination notice. The Minister reportedly approved the request on April 24, 2026, paving the way for the Commission to terminate the mineral rights on April 30, 2026.
The Commission maintained that it followed due process and gave the company sufficient opportunities to regularise its position before taking action.
It stressed that all mining companies, regardless of whether they are locally owned or foreign-owned, are required to comply with the law, pay statutory fees and undertake meaningful mining operations.
The statement added that following the termination, the mineral rights reverted to the State, while the company remained liable for its outstanding obligations. The Commission said it would pursue the recovery of all amounts owed to the State.
The Commission also noted that the company had initiated legal proceedings against the State to challenge the termination. It argued that the matter should be addressed through the judicial process rather than through public campaigns.
Reaffirming its position, the Minerals Commission said it remained committed to enforcing Ghana’s mining laws without fear or favour.
The dispute comes amid ongoing attention to regulatory compliance and accountability in Ghana’s mining sector, with the legal proceedings expected to provide a platform for the issues surrounding the termination to be examined.