Minerals Commission rejects Narawa claims of illegal lease termination

The Minerals Commission has formally dismissed allegations from Narawa Company Limited regarding the supposedly unlawful termination of its mining leases. The regulatory body maintained that the revocation of the licenses was entirely within the law, serving as a direct consequence of the mining firm's failure to meet its financial obligations to the state. According to the Commission, the termination was a necessary regulatory action to ensure compliance within the extractive sector and protect national interests.

Detailed records from the Minerals Commission indicate that Narawa Company Limited failed to settle outstanding mineral rights fees totaling US$909,127.79. The regulator emphasized that such significant arrears constitute a clear breach of the terms governing mining leases in Ghana. By failing to pay these statutory fees over an extended period, the company forfeited its right to hold the concessions, leading to the legal termination of their agreements in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act.

In a related development, CMS Pro-AA Southern Industry has refuted claims of a "forceful takeover" of the concessions formerly held by Narawa. Tarry Kumi, the Operations Director for CMS Pro-AA, asserted that the company's entry into the site was the result of a transparent and lawful process. Kumi explained that his firm pursued all requisite regulatory channels and received formal approval from the Minerals Commission and other governing bodies to operate on the land once it became available following the previous lease's cancellation.

The Minerals Commission’s stance highlights an intensified focus on revenue collection and regulatory discipline within Ghana's mining industry. While Narawa has publicly contested the loss of its leases, the Commission’s disclosure of the specific debt provides a clear legal justification for the enforcement action. This case serves as a broader signal to other operators in the sector regarding the strict enforcement of financial obligations and the potential for license revocation in instances of persistent non-compliance.