Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has rejected suggestions that the organisation’s recent meeting with Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah was prompted by the revocation of mining leases involving Adamus Resources, describing the claim as misleading.
Speaking on Gold Morning Conversation, Mr Cudjoe said the meeting was part of a broader series of engagements IMANI has been undertaking with government ministries and was not arranged specifically over the Adamus controversy.
He explained that following the discussions, IMANI undertook a diagnostic assessment for the Lands Ministry and intends to submit a comprehensive report to the minister when the exercise is completed.
Addressing the Adamus issue, however, Mr Cudjoe said he advised the minister to avoid actions that could send conflicting signals to investors.
He argued that where difficulties arise with an investor, revoking a licence should not necessarily be the state’s first response without providing an opportunity for the affected company to address the concerns raised.
According to him, his recommendation was for the minister to engage Adamus Chief Executive Angela List and allow her an opportunity to demonstrate remorse and address the issues surrounding the company.
Mr Cudjoe maintained that such engagement was important in balancing regulatory enforcement with the need to preserve investor confidence.
Despite his concerns over the Adamus matter, the IMANI President expressed support for the Lands Ministry’s broader strategic direction, particularly its efforts to tackle illegal mining and protect the environment.
He cited efforts to restore portions of the Achimota Forest to their natural state as an indication that progress was being made.
Mr Cudjoe maintained that while government must enforce the country’s mining and environmental laws, its decisions must also provide regulatory certainty and avoid creating unnecessary uncertainty for legitimate investors.
Story by Ruth Quaye
