Minerals Commission says it terminated mining leases held by Narawa Company Limited over unpaid fees of $909,127.79, disputing the company’s allegations that the regulator unlawfully seized its concessions and transferred operations to another party.
The Commission said in a statement dated October 20 that it recommended termination of Narawa’s Nsutam and Osiem mining leases in July 2025 after the company failed to remedy its payment default. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources approved the recommendation on Aug. 19, 2025, and a formal termination notice was issued on Sept. 3, according to the regulator.
The dispute highlights the legal and financial obligations attached to mining rights in Ghana, where the state oversees access to mineral resources and companies must comply with statutory fees and the terms of their leases.
Narawa was required to pay annual mineral right fees under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, and its lease agreement with the government, the Commission said. It added that the company failed to settle the outstanding amount after receiving notices to remedy the breach.
Following termination, the mineral rights reverted to the state, which has since granted new rights over the concession areas to two other entities, the Commission said. It did not identify the entities in the statement.
The regulator denied authorising or permitting an invasion of the areas and said the new operators were working in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. It also said any mining activity by Narawa on the concessions after the termination date would constitute illegal mining.
Narawa has initiated arbitration proceedings dated Dec. 12, 2025, challenging the termination, according to the Commission. The matter remains pending, and the regulator said the leases remain terminated until a final determination is made.
The Commission described Narawa’s media allegations as misleading while the dispute is before the relevant legal forum. The statement did not include Narawa’s response to the regulator’s account.
The outcome of the arbitration could determine the parties’ rights over the concessions, with the Commission maintaining that the termination remains valid while the proceedings continue.
