Minerals Commission defends termination of Northern Ashanti Mines’ licences over $8.38m debt
The Minerals Commission has defended its decision to terminate the mining leases and prospecting licences of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited, formerly Ower Mines, citing more than US$8.38 million in unpaid fees and alleged breaches of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Commission said it followed the legally prescribed process after the company failed to settle outstanding Annual Mineral Right (AMR) fees or remedy other breaches identified by the regulator. The company has instituted legal proceedings against the State to challenge the termination, according to the Commission. The Commission said Northern Ashanti Mines acquired a mining lease covering 595 cadastral blocks in January 2010.