Government Directs Minerals Commission to Take Administrative Control of Adamus Mine
The government has ordered the Minerals Commission to assume immediate administrative control of the Adamus Mine at Salman in the Ellembelle District, following the upholding of a decision to revoke Adamus Resources’ mining lease. This decisive move follows a review by a Ministerial Review Committee, which considered an appeal from Adamus Resources after its lease had been revoked over regulatory breaches. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, communicated the government’s position during a working visit to the Adamus Mine, explaining that the committee had confirmed most of the violations identified during the initial assessment. This paved the way for the Minerals Commission to step in and take over management of the embattled mine. “Following the report of the Minerals Commission to the Chief Inspector of Mines, and with recommendations of the great violation of the Mining Act and mining regulations, a recommendation for revocation of some mining leases was made. The Ministry agreed with them; there was a petition, and we formed the ministerial review committee. That work has come to an end. As a Minister, I have concluded to uphold the revocation. What that means is that the Minerals Commission should, with immediate effect, take administrative control of this Mine,” Minister Armah-Kofi Buah stated. He emphasized that the review process was conducted to give Adamus Resources a fair opportunity to raise its concerns and to ensure that all allegations were thoroughly considered before the final decision. With the decision now made, the Minerals Commission is tasked with collaborating with stakeholders to address operational and safety issues at the site. Looking ahead, the government is exploring options to revitalise the Adamus Mine and restore its operations, with the aim of creating jobs and stimulating economic activity for the people of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area and the broader economy. The development is part of a wider government effort to ensure Ghana’s mineral resources are managed in the national interest and deliver greater benefits to host communities. Minister Armah-Kofi Buah’s visit to the mine, accompanied by Minerals Commission officials and other stakeholders, was aimed at assessing the state of the facility and discussing the next steps for its future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi Seeks Bail Pending Appeal After Illegal Mining Conviction
Lawyers representing Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have taken a significant legal step in his ongoing battle for freedom. In a dramatic turn of events, his legal team, Zoe, Akyea & Co., has filed an application at the High Court, requesting bail for Chairman Wontumi as he mounts an appeal against his 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining. Currently, Chairman Wontumi is serving his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, following his conviction for illegal mining activities at Samreboi. The case has captured national attention, becoming a landmark in Ghana’s fight against galamsey (illegal mining). According to the motion submitted to the High Court, Wontumi’s lawyers are urging the court to grant him temporary release from custody while the Court of Appeal reviews both his conviction and sentence. The legal team’s argument, detailed in an accompanying affidavit, asserts that their client should be admitted to bail during the appellate process. They have further asked the court to make any additional orders it deems appropriate given the circumstances. This latest court filing represents another determined effort by the defense to secure Chairman Wontumi’s release, at least temporarily, as the legal process continues. Should the High Court rule in his favor, Wontumi would be granted bail and regain his freedom until the final decision on his appeal is delivered. The High Court’s impending decision will hinge on whether Chairman Wontumi meets the legal threshold for bail pending appeal, a matter being closely watched by the public and political observers alike. His 20-year sentence and conviction for illegal mining have sparked widespread debate, solidifying the case as one of the most significant prosecutions in Ghana’s ongoing battle against galamsey. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Uncovered Illegal Mining Pits Claim 23 Lives in Ashanti Region, Prompting Crackdown and Land Reclamation Efforts
Uncovered illegal mining pits have claimed the lives of 23 people, including 12 adults and 11 children, across 19 districts in the Ashanti Region this year, with four additional individuals still missing. The alarming toll of drownings in abandoned pits was revealed during the Ashanti Regional First Half-Year Review meeting organized by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC). Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, speaking to the media, described the situation as “a key concern to NADMO and the security agencies.” He issued a stern directive to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), stressing their responsibility to combat illegal mining within their jurisdictions. Rejecting excuses about inadequate funding, Dr. Amoakohene emphasized that MMDCEs must act promptly on notifications from the Forestry and Minerals Commissions or formally escalate issues to NAIMOS and the RCC. “If you don’t have the funding to fight it at your level, there should be evidence of you writing to NAIMOS or RCC so we can pick it up,” he charged. In response to the drownings, the RCC has launched targeted land reclamation projects to fill hazardous open pits in high-risk communities. The minister warned that regional security forces would intensify crackdowns on illegal operations near forest reserves, water bodies, and key infrastructure, urging miners to shift to the government-backed cooperative mining framework or face full law enforcement action. To further protect critical infrastructure, Dr. Amoakohene highlighted the recent establishment of a permanent Forestry Commission post, supported by the UK government, at the Oda Forest Reserve in Numeri. The facility has helped safeguard the Oda Water Treatment Plant from a potential total shutdown due to heavy upstream pollution, thereby securing the region’s water supply. The minister’s remarks underscore the urgency of addressing the hazardous legacy of illegal mining and the Ashanti Region’s commitment to land reclamation, environmental protection, and public safety. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Breaking News: Chairman Wontumi Sentenced to 20 Years for Illegal Mining
On the morning of July 20, 2026, the Accra High Court became the stage for a landmark moment in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, better known as Chairman Wontumi and the influential Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, stood before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, awaiting his fate. In a courtroom filled with anticipation, Justice Kocuvie-Tay delivered a decisive verdict: 20 years imprisonment for Chairman Wontumi’s involvement in illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The sentence, handed down shortly after 11:40 am, marked the end of one of the nation’s most closely watched trials. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Gold Board Launches Dual Pricing Regime Aligned with Global Standards
On July 1, 2026, a new era began for Ghana’s gold trading industry. The Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) rolled out a gold pricing system designed to match the precision and transparency of the world’s leading markets. Effective immediately, gold prices in Ghana will now be set twice daily, tracking the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) AM and PM pricing windows. For gold dealers and buyers, this means that each trading day will feature two official purchase prices, one set in the morning and another in the afternoon, mirroring the global benchmarks. The AM pricing window spans from 9:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m., while the PM window stretches from 2:30 p.m. through to 9:20 a.m. the following day. To keep transactions in step with these changes, GOLDBOD has instituted precise booking windows: gold purchases during the AM session must be booked between 9:30 a.m. and 2:20 p.m., while PM session bookings are accepted between 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and again from 6:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. the next day. Brief scheduled trading suspensions, daily from 2:21 p.m. to 2:29 p.m. and from 9:21 a.m. to 9:29 a.m., allow for smooth transitions between these key windows. During these short intervals, trading pauses and no bookings are accepted, before operations quickly resume. GOLDBOD made it clear: all licensed gold buyers are now required to book purchases in real time and within the prescribed windows. Any attempt to trade outside these periods, or during a suspension, will result in the transaction being rejected and shifted to the next appropriate window. The Compliance Directorate of the Ghana Gold Board, in its official statement, urged every licensed buyer to swiftly adapt their practices to uphold the new standards. Stakeholders were encouraged to reach out to GOLDBOD through official channels for any further clarification as the industry embraces this landmark change in gold pricing and trading. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
PEARL: The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Urges Upper East to Invest in Human Capital
The occasion was the launch of the PEARL (Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods) Framework, a bold 10-year plan aiming to transform the region through agriculture, enterprise, and responsible mining from 2026 to 2035. Representing the Sector Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Deputy Minister Alhaji Yusif Sulemana delivered a message that resonated deeply. He urged the people of Upper East to unite and focus on investing in their greatest asset: human resources. “When mining companies come calling for local projects or new recruits, we must be ready,” he said, emphasizing that technology and money alone were not enough. “If you lack the skilled people to recruit, the opportunity will pass you by.” With gold recently discovered in commercial quantities in 10 out of 15 districts, hopes are high that mining will bring jobs and prosperity. Yet, Mr. Sulemana cautioned that attracting mining investments is only the first step. “Jobs for local people aren’t guaranteed unless we develop the skills mining companies need,” he explained. “If we aren’t prepared, companies will look elsewhere for talent.” He called on all stakeholders, government, local authorities, and community leaders, to prioritize investment in education, skills training, and workforce development. Only by equipping residents with the necessary expertise, he argued, can the region fully benefit from the economic opportunities ahead. Mr. Sulemana reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the PEARL Framework and partnering in environmental projects that advance the region’s sustainable development. “Whatever environmental projects the Upper East is undertaking, we want to be part of it,” he said, pledging his support on behalf of the Ministry. As the Upper East Region embarks on this transformative journey, the message from the Ministry is clear: investing in people is the key to unlocking the full benefits of the region’s natural riches. By working together and preparing the local workforce, the region can ensure that prosperity reaches every community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi’s Lawyers Ask High Court to Postpone Judgment in Akonta Mining Case
Lawyers representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have filed an application with the High Court seeking a postponement of the judgment in his ongoing criminal case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited. The request, submitted by newly appointed counsel Samuel Atta Akyea, asks the court to defer the scheduled July 3 verdict in order to allow the defence more time to obtain the certified record of proceedings and prepare written submissions. This development follows the recent withdrawal of Wontumi’s previous lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, who stepped down shortly after the defence concluded its case. While the court rejected an application for leave to withdraw, it clarified that, in criminal cases, a lawyer does not require the court’s permission to cease representing a client, making the matter one for the client and lawyer to resolve. In his supporting affidavit, Atta Akyea explained that he was only appointed on June 19, after the prior counsel’s withdrawal. Since then, he has requested certified copies of proceedings and relevant documents from the court registry, but has yet to receive them. Without access to the complete record, Atta Akyea argues, he cannot adequately review the case or effectively represent his clients. He further emphasized that, given the gravity of the criminal charges and their potential consequences, Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited are entitled to effective legal representation at every stage of the trial. Granting the adjournment, Atta Akyea contends, would not prejudice the prosecution, but would uphold the accused’s constitutional right to a fair trial and bolster public confidence in the justice system. The High Court had originally set July 3, 2026, for judgment following the close of the defence’s case. Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused face allegations related to illegal mining activities, charges they have consistently denied. Atta Akyea insists that the application is not meant to delay justice, but rather to ensure proper legal preparation before a final judgment is delivered. The court is expected to rule on the adjournment request in the coming days. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Seized Firearms from Anti-Galamsey Operations Handed Over for Destruction
The first batch of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has handed over a cache of firearms seized during anti-illegal mining operations to the Ministry of the Interior as part of ongoing efforts to combat galamsey in Ghana. In a formal ceremony, the items were presented to Interior Ministry officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening enforcement measures against illegal mining activities. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, along with the NAiMOS team, received commendations for their dedication to tackling the galamsey menace. Following the presentation, the seized firearms were transferred to the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons for documentation, marking, and destruction in accordance with established legal protocols. Authorities have assured the public that all items confiscated during anti-galamsey operations, including excavators and heavy equipment, will be handled transparently and in compliance with legal procedures. They pledged to keep the public informed about seizures and subsequent actions to ensure accountability and build public trust. Stakeholders have urged communities affected by illegal mining to continue supporting the government’s efforts, warning of the ongoing threat galamsey poses to water bodies, farmlands, the environment, and public health. Newly deployed NAiMOS personnel have been encouraged to uphold professionalism and integrity to sustain confidence in the national anti-illegal mining campaign. Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka reaffirmed the government’s resolve to protect Ghana’s natural resources and ensure that future generations benefit from sustainable environmental practices. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Pre-Dawn Raid by NAiMOS Taskforce Halts Illegal Mining, Uncovers Dammed Dankai River
In the quiet, early hours of Sunday, May 24, 2026, the silence of Sanfo Adiam in Ashanti Region was shattered by the swift action of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS). Working in tandem with the Blue Water Guards, the Manso Adubia task force executed a carefully planned pre-dawn raid, striking at the heart of a notorious galamsey enclave along the Dankai River. The operation, which began under the cloak of darkness between 4:00 and 7:00 a.m., was fueled by credible intelligence of organized illegal mining in the area. As the task force approached, they spotted several miners at work, among them a Ghanaian wielding a pump-action firearm. Sensing the encroaching danger, most of the illegal operators, including the armed individual, vanished into the surrounding thickets. However, two Chinese nationals attempted to flee but were swiftly pursued and apprehended by the operatives. The arrested suspects, identified as Lu Honggeng (53) and Nong Zisun (41), were found at the very center of a sophisticated mining operation. The most alarming discovery was the deliberate engineering of the Dankai River: the illegal miners had blocked and redirected its natural flow into an artificial dam, channeling water to fuel their extraction activities. This manipulation of the river’s course was a stark assault on the environment and a threat to downstream communities that rely on its waters. Upon securing the site and the suspects, the joint team dismantled the illegal damming infrastructure. The two Chinese nationals were escorted to the NAiMOS Secretariat in Accra, pending further investigation and a handover to the Ghana Immigration Service. The presence of the firearm at the site underscored the escalating security risks facing anti-illegal mining operatives and highlighted the importance of continued vigilance. In a statement following the operation, NAiMOS assured the public that the disruption of the river and the illegal mining operation was complete, and pledged to sustain its crackdown in Amansie East and beyond until rivers like the Dankai are fully restored. The Secretariat also issued a stern warning to illegal miners, urging them to cease activities that devastate the nation’s water bodies and forests. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Four Arrested for Armed Illegal Mining at Ankobra
On Wednesday afternoon, the usually tranquil banks of the Ankobra River at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality became the scene of a dramatic confrontation. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force, on a routine patrol at around 3:25 p.m., stumbled upon what appeared to be an illegal mining site nestled within the dense Western Region forest. As the officers approached the site, they were met by four men brandishing machetes and pump-action guns. These armed suspects, later identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25, were allegedly acting as both security personnel and active participants in the illicit operation. Undeterred by the show of force, the NAIMOS task force moved in to make arrests. The confrontation quickly escalated as the suspects resisted, refusing to surrender peacefully. Instead, they attempted to obstruct the officers and disrupt the operation. Despite the resistance, the task force managed to disarm and subdue the four men, successfully apprehending them on the spot. Upon detaining the suspects, officers conducted a thorough search of the site. The haul included two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, a water pumping machine, and two SDLG control boards believed to belong to excavators used in the illegal mining process. Two excavators were also found, but were immobilized by removing their control boards due to a lack of immediate transport. Interrogation revealed a startling claim: the suspects alleged they were operating under the orders of individuals known only as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, said to be affiliated with National Security and hailing from Prestea. NAIMOS handed these names over to the police, where ongoing investigations are now underway. The environmental toll caused by the suspects was evident, with large swathes of land and forest destroyed and pollution seeping into the Ankobra River. After initial interrogation, the suspects and their belongings, including mobile phones and a talisman, were handed over to the Esiama District Police, where Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asiedu received them for further investigation and possible prosecution. Despite increasing threats from armed criminal groups, NAIMOS reaffirmed its determination to persist with anti-illegal mining operations nationwide. The Secretariat cautioned illegal miners and armed groups against resistance, warning that reckless defiance would not deter the task force. NAIMOS also extended gratitude to the public, acknowledging the crucial role of community intelligence in the ongoing fight against illegal mining. Source: Apexnewsgh.com