In the wake of significant community unrest and demonstrations over the near-collapse of the Bogoso-Prestea mine under Future Global Resources, the commencement of operations by new investor Heath Goldfields has been met with optimism.
This positive reception is largely due to the company’s initial action of paying inherited debts to workers and local contractors.
While this is a welcome development, community representatives are calling upon Heath Goldfields to ensure employment guarantees for the existing local workforce, who have endured the company’s most challenging periods.
Protests defined Future Global Resources’ troubled ownership of the Prestea-Bogoso mine, with the company accused of neglect, failing to pay workers and contractors, and allowing the infrastructure to decay.
This led to government’s intervention and the mine’s eventual takeover by Ghanaian-owned Heath Goldfields in October 2024.
Ten months on, during a visit by officials, Managing Director Patrick Appiah Mensah outlined the new ownership’s progress. He said they have taken bold steps to lay a foundation for a safe and sustainable restart with over one hundred million cedis paid to settle inherited salary and providence fund debts, and an additional thirty-four million cedis invested in critical safety and infrastructure upgrades.
“Since assuming operations, we’ve committed to restoring confidence, creating value, and revitalizing the mine and its host communities. Key achievements include: Paying over 100 million cedis in outstanding employee salaries and provident funds inherited from the previous lease operator, Engaging with the Mine Workers’ Union on additional benefits and settling GHC16.8 million cedis owed to local contractors. These steps aim to restore trust, support local businesses, and stimulate economic growth.” He stated.
3news engaged with Prestea residents to independently verify the claims made by Heath Goldfields.
Mohammed Arthur, one of the first to commend the company, described the arrival of Heath Goldfields in Prestea as a blessing to the community, highlighting that the company has paid all outstanding salaries to former workers even before commencing operations.
Bernard Kwame Owusu, another community resident, welcomed the company’s presence, noting that its operations would greatly benefit local youth.
With the company’s assurance to employ a majority of its workforce from host communities, residents believe sustainable jobs will be created for the youth.
Despite giving assurances of job security, Heath Goldfields has heightened concerns about its ongoing revival efforts, which include major work on its underground mines and repairs to the processing plants.
“We plan to commence testing of the process plants by the third week of September, with production expected to start by the first week of October. Simultaneously, we’ll continue upgrading the underground pumping installations and water facilities. We’re hopeful that by the first quarter of next year, we’ll resume underground mining operations.” Mr Mensah added.
