LMWG Calls on Akufo-Addo to intervene in Adamus Mining dispute

The Lands and Mining Watch Ghana (LMWG), a civil society organization advocating for responsible and sustainable mining practices, has petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to address what they describe as a severe breach of legal and ethical standards in the ongoing Adamus Mining case.

In a detailed letter, the LMWG outlined a series of troubling events surrounding the purported sale of a 90% stake in Adamus Mining, a company 90% owned by Adamus Australia and 10% by the Government of Ghana, to Nguvu Mining Limited, a Mauritius-registered company.

The transaction has been contested on the grounds that the individual who signed the share transfer agreement was neither a director nor an officer of Adamus Mining, thereby lacking the authority to execute such a deal.

“This culminated in a series of injunction applications which caused the Accra High Court to institute an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to steer the affairs of the company and manage the accrual of revenue until a final determination of the matter.

“However, in an act of flagrant disregard for the court’s directives, Nguvu Mines the company purported to have purchased the 90% stake in the Adamus Mines are shipping gold mined by the company without the approval of the duly appointed IMC” Solomon Owusu, Convener of LMWG detailed in a letter.

LMWG’s letter accused influential political figures of interfering with the IMC’s operations. Notably, the former Lands and Natural Resources Minister and current Member of Parliament for Hohoe, John Peter Amewu, has been implicated in supporting Angela List, an alleged key figure behind Nguvu Mining, in these activities.

The petition also highlighted questionable legal advice provided to Nguvu Mining by the Attorney General’s office, exacerbating the situation.

The petition underscored the illegal exportation of gold valued at over $7 million by Angela List and her associates, claiming this act undermines the government’s 10% stake in Adamus Resources and erodes public trust in law enforcement and judicial systems.

“Mr. President, we are appalled by the revelation that Angela List, in collaboration with select individuals from political and security circles, is orchestrating a bold and illegal move to export gold from Adamus Resources,” Solomon Owusu, Convener of LMWG emphasized in the letter.

The LMWG called for President Akufo-Addo to take decisive action to uphold the rule of law in the mining sector. They argued that the government’s duty to protect its interests, particularly its significant stake in Adamus Resources, necessitates immediate intervention to halt these illegal activities and restore confidence in the justice system.

Encouraging and enforcing stricter disclosure practices by mining companies is crucial. This includes requiring companies to disclose their payments to government entities in a timely manner, similar to the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA) in Canada.

Such disclosures should detail the type of payment, the receiving government entity, and breakdown by project, if applicable. This approach has been adopted voluntarily by some major mining companies in Ghana but could be mandated for greater consistency and transparency.

Moreover, addressing delays in reporting under initiatives like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is vital. Timely and accurate reporting strengthens the usefulness of EITI information as a tool to hold companies and government entities accountable for their management of specific projects and payments.

The organization attached copies of the High Court orders and advisory documents from the Attorney General’s office to their petition, urging for transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal frameworks to ensure the sustainable management of Ghana’s natural resources.

LMWG’s petition is a critical appeal for governmental action to address the rampant impunity in the mining sector and protect Ghana’s interests. The call for President Akufo-Addo’s prompt intervention reflects the broader concern for environmental and social justice within the country’s mining practices.