Narawa Mining Lease Dispute Deepens as Commission Defends Termination

The Minerals Commission has rejected allegations by Narawa Company Limited that it unlawfully terminated the company’s mining leases and handed its concessions over to another individual, insisting that the decision followed established legal procedures.
In a statement issued by its Communications and Corporate Affairs Directorate, the Commission described Narawa’s allegations as false and misleading, arguing that the company lost its mineral rights over the Nsutam and Osiem concessions following its failure to pay outstanding annual mineral right fees.
According to the Commission, Narawa owed US$909,127.79 in annual mineral right fees, which it was legally required to pay under Section 24 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and Clause 27 of its mining lease agreements with the Government of Ghana.
The Commission explained that it issued Notices to Remedy Breach to the company in accordance with Section 68(2) of Act 703 and Regulation 200(3) of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176). Read Also: Dapuoha Dam Boosts Water Security and Climate Resilience
However, Narawa allegedly failed to settle the outstanding payments within the stipulated period, prompting the Commission to initiate the process to terminate the leases.
The statement indicated that the Commission recommended the termination to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources through a letter dated July 29, 2025. The Minister approved the recommendation on August 19, 2025, after which a formal Notice of Termination was issued to Narawa on September 3, 2025.
The Commission maintained that the termination was therefore carried out through the prescribed administrative and legal processes, contrary to Narawa’s claims that its mineral rights were wrongfully or forcibly taken away. https://dailydemocratnewsonline.com/
Following the termination, the Commission said Narawa ceased to hold any valid mineral rights, interests or entitlements over the Nsutam and Osiem concession areas, with the mineral rights reverting to the State.
It further argued that any mining activities undertaken by the company on the concessions after the termination took effect would constitute illegal mining.
The Commission also denied authorising or permitting any invasion of the concessions, explaining that the State had subsequently granted new mineral rights over the areas to two separate entities.
According to the statement, the two entities are currently operating within the law and in compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
The Commission’s clarification comes amid allegations by Narawa concerning the circumstances surrounding the loss of its mining leases and activities on the affected concessions.
The Minerals Commission disclosed that Narawa had initiated arbitration proceedings dated December 12, 2025, challenging the termination of its mineral rights.
It said the matter remained pending and maintained that the termination continued to have legal effect until a final determination was reached.
The Commission consequently criticised Narawa’s resort to the media to advance allegations concerning a matter already before a competent adjudicatory forum, describing such actions as improper and misleading.
It urged the public to consider the legal and administrative history of the dispute rather than rely on what it characterised as inaccurate accounts of the events.
Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Due Process
Reaffirming its commitment to the transparent and lawful management of Ghana’s mineral resources, the Commission said it would remain guided by the country’s mining laws and regulatory framework.
It also stressed that the administration of mineral rights must be conducted in accordance with established legal procedures and that disputes over such rights should be resolved through the appropriate legal channels.
The statement was signed by the Commission’s Communications and Corporate Affairs Directorate.
The dispute over the Nsutam and Osiem concessions remains subject to the pending arbitration proceedings, which are expected to address Narawa’s challenge to the termination of its mining leases.