••
Minerals Commission revokes Narawa Company mining leases for $909,127 debt
•2 min read•6 sources
The Minerals Commission has defended its decision to terminate the mining leases of Narawa Company Limited at Nsutam and Osiem, citing the company's failure to pay US$909,127.79 in annual mineral rights fees. According to the regulator, the revocation followed the proper legal framework outlined in the Minerals and Mining Act, including multiple notices issued to the company to rectify its financial defaults. The Commission has labeled Narawa's recent claims of an unlawful takeover as misleading, asserting that the mining rights have legally reverted to the State.
The termination process began in mid-2025 after Narawa missed a July deadline to settle its outstanding debts. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources approved the recommendation for termination in August 2025, and formal notice was served on September 3, 2025. Frank Asare, the Director of Mineral Titles at the Commission, also dismissed allegations that businessman Alfred Mahama influenced the decision, clarifying that the action was strictly a result of regulatory and financial non-compliance. He emphasized that Narawa remains liable for its debts despite the loss of the concessions.
In response to the revocation, Narawa Company Limited has appealed for government intervention, alleging that its assets have been destroyed and its sites are being exploited by other entities under armed protection. The company maintains that its operations should be protected by a High Court order while arbitration proceedings regarding the legality of the termination are pending. Narawa argues that the interference has caused significant financial loss and has called for regulatory bodies to halt the activities of new operators on the disputed land.
However, the Minerals Commission insists that new mineral rights have already been lawfully granted to other entities following the 2025 termination. The Commission warned that any continued mining activity by Narawa on the concessions is now classified as illegal. While arbitration is still ongoing, the regulator maintains that it followed all due processes to protect the State's interests and ensures the lawful administration of Ghana’s mineral resources. The outcome of the pending arbitration will ultimately determine the final status of the Nsutam and Osiem concessions.
