The Minerals Commission has rejected allegations by Narawa Company Limited that its mining leases were unlawfully terminated and its operations handed over to another party, insisting that the company lost its mineral rights after failing to settle outstanding statutory fees amounting to US$909,127.79.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Commission described the allegations as false and misleading, maintaining that the termination of Narawa’s Nsutam and Osiem mining leases followed the procedures prescribed by law.
According to the Commission, Narawa failed to pay annual mineral rights fees required under Section 24 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and Clause 27 of its mining lease agreement with the Government of Ghana.
The Commission explained that notices were issued to the company to remedy the breach in accordance with the relevant mining laws, but Narawa failed to settle the outstanding amount within the stipulated period.
Consequently, the Commission recommended the termination of the leases to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources on July 29, 2025.
The recommendation was approved on August 19, 2025, and a formal termination notice was subsequently issued to Narawa on September 3, 2025.
The Commission maintained that the termination effectively extinguished Narawa’s rights to the Nsutam and Osiem concessions, with the mineral rights reverting to the State.
It warned that any mining activity undertaken by Narawa within the affected concessions following the termination would constitute illegal mining.
Addressing allegations that the company’s operations had been forcibly taken over, the Commission denied authorising or facilitating any invasion of the concession areas.
It clarified that the State had subsequently granted new mineral rights over the affected areas to two separate entities, which, according to the Commission, are operating in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Meanwhile, the Commission acknowledged that Narawa initiated arbitration proceedings on December 12, 2025, challenging the termination of its mining leases.
It stated that although the dispute remains pending, the termination continues to be effective until a final determination is made.
The Commission criticised Narawa for pursuing its allegations through the media while the substantive dispute remains unresolved through legal proceedings.
The Commission maintained that the termination was lawful and rejected Narawa’s allegations as misleading, particularly while the dispute remains the subject of ongoing arbitration.
