The Eastern Nzema Traditional Council has backed the revocation of mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited.
The Council says it does not need the company on the lands of Ellembelle, stating that its activities have degraded the land. They emphasised that they do not oppose mining or development, but rather oppose destruction.
Speaking at a press briefing at Atuabo in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, the Omanhene of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, Awulae Blay, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for the bold step taken in revoking the leases.
He said communities including Akango, Salman, and Nkroful, which fall within the concessions of Adamus, have over the period witnessed a systematic erosion of environmental regulations, with Chinese nationals allegedly undertaking illegal mining activities.
Awulae Blay indicated that the government’s concerns about foreign involvement are not xenophobia but the protection of the nation’s sovereignty. He added that the presence of Adamus in Nzemaland for the past 17 years has produced no legacy project and demanded an equity share in the company.
He urged the President and the authorities to maintain their stance and not bow to pressure or legal threats from Adamus Resources, insisting that the licence should not be reinstated.
Awulae Blay also instructed all units within the Traditional Area to ensure no illegal miner gains access to the concessions until a proper, legal, and responsible firm is brought in.
As part of traditional rites, the Council slaughtered a sheep and held prayers to spiritually ban Adamus Resources from the area.
