Minerals Commission Defends Termination of Northern Ashanti Mines Over $8.3M Debt, 15 Years Non-Payment
Minerals Commission terminated the lease of Northern Ashanti Mines (formerly Owere Mines) after the company failed to pay US$8.33 million in annual mineral right fees from 2010‑2025 and US$49,928 in prospecting licence fees from 2019‑2025.
In Brief
- •Minerals Commission terminated the lease of Northern Ashanti Mines (formerly Owere Mines) after the company failed to pay US$8.33 million in annual mineral right fees from 2010‑2025 and US$49,928 in prospecting licence fees from 2019‑2025.
- •The company had not carried out any meaningful mining operations for more than two years, breaching section 69(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act 2006.
- •The Commission followed due process: a Notice to Remedy Breach was issued on 14 April 2025, the Minister approved termination on 24 April 2026, and the lease was formally terminated on 30 April 2026.
- •Northern Ashanti Mines has filed a legal challenge against the termination, while the Commission maintains that the mineral rights have reverted to the state and the debt remains payable.
- •The case underscores the enforcement of statutory fees and operational requirements under Ghana’s mining legislation.
Why It Matters
The termination of a 15‑year mining lease over unpaid fees highlights the Ghanaian government’s commitment to enforcing the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 and protecting state revenue. It signals to other operators that non‑payment and inactivity will lead to legal action and loss of rights, potentially reshaping investment risk assessments in the sector. The case also illustrates the balance between regulatory compliance and corporate accountability in Ghana’s resource economy.
Key Details
- Total AMR Debt
- US$8,330,000
- Prospecting Licence Debt
- US$49,928
- Lease Period
- 2010‑2025 (15 years)
Context & Background
The Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703) governs mining leases in Ghana, requiring annual mineral right fees and active mining operations.
Original Reporting & Sources
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