Nzema Chiefs Honour Lands Minister, Calls for Sustainable Revival of Adamus Resources

The Paramount Chief of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, Awulae Blay IX, has led a delegation of traditional leaders to pay a courtesy call on the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, commending his efforts to promote the legacy of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and pledging their support to his tenure.

The delegation, comprising sub-chiefs and Queen Mothers, also used the occasion to honour the Minister with a developmental chieftaincy title in recognition of his contribution to the development of Ellembelle and the wider Nzema area.

Speaking during the visit, Awulae Blay IX said the chiefs had long intended to meet the Minister to congratulate him on his appointment and assure him of their support. He noted that the Minister’s continued efforts to organise the annual Nkrumafest had helped keep the legacy and values of Ghana’s first President alive.

The Paramount Chief also presented the Minister with a traditional stool, symbolising the developmental title conferred on him by the Nzema traditional authorities.

A major concern raised by the delegation was the return of Adamus Resources Limited and the need for the government’s 12-month roadmap to revive the company to deliver meaningful benefits to the people of Nzema.

Awulae Blay IX urged the Ministry to closely monitor the process, stressing that the revival of the mine should translate into jobs, livelihoods, investment opportunities and broader economic development for the local communities.

The chiefs also petitioned the President, through the Minister, to consider renaming Ghana Gas as “Atuabo Gas,” arguing that such recognition would strengthen the sense of ownership of the facility among the people of Atuabo and surrounding communities. The Paramount Chief pledged the continued support of the traditional authorities to the Ministry and its agencies.

Responding, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah expressed gratitude to the chiefs for the honour bestowed on him and reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Nzema and the Western Region.

He said the annual Nkrumafest remained relevant to present and future generations, adding that, with the support of the Ghanaians, efforts would continue to make the celebration bigger and more impactful.

On Adamus Resources, the Minister assured the chiefs that their concerns were already being addressed under the government’s roadmap for the company. He explained that the committee established by the President had been given a clear mandate to ensure that the company settles its outstanding liabilities, develops a sustainable plan for its revival and attracts fresh capital, including through additional partners taking equity in the mining operation.

He said Adamus Resources would engage the traditional authorities to hear their concerns and incorporate them into the revival process, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that the mine operates sustainably and delivers tangible benefits to the people of Nzema.

Hon. Buah further assured the delegation that the government would continue to pay attention to the development challenges of the area, including roads and other critical infrastructure.