On Thursday, October 22, Fred Okine, a director of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited, told Citi FM’s Eyewitness News that the company would consider taking its dispute over a terminated mining lease to international courts if the Minerals Commission and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources do not engage in dialogue. Okine said the board had resolved to pursue legal action if the authorities were unwilling to discuss the matter.
Okine emphasized that the company remains open to an amicable settlement but will protect its $120 million investment. "If the Commission and the Minister are amenable to dialogue, we will not proceed with any strenuous court action," he said. "But if they are not willing to yield, I think the Board has taken a decision to pursue this matter even to the international courts."
The dispute centers on the termination of the company’s lease covering the Konongo area in the Ashanti Region. Northern Ashanti Mines has filed a judicial review application at the High Court in Accra, challenging the termination decision and seeking it declared unlawful and quashed. The application targets the Minerals Commission, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Attorney‑General.
According to court documents, a letter dated April 30, 2026, signed by the CEO of the Minerals Commission, communicated the termination. The company argues the decision was taken without lawful authority and breached mandatory procedures under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176). In an affidavit, Administrative Manager Jonathan Adongo stated that Northern Ashanti Mines was not notified of the alleged breaches cited in the termination letter or given an opportunity to remedy them before the decision was taken.
Okine also alleged that a recent security operation at the company’s premises appeared to benefit another company, a claim that has not been independently verified. Meanwhile, the company has petitioned the Minerals Commission and the Minister again to seek a fair resolution and has highlighted the substantial sums spent on renewing its mining lease and obtaining environmental and mining permits.
The High Court will decide whether the termination decision complies with the procedures set out in Section 68 of Act 703. Northern Ashanti Mines remains willing to engage the authorities to resolve the dispute, but it is prepared to pursue its case in international courts if necessary.
