Pressure is gradually mounting on mining firm Heath Goldfields, as a group known as the Catchment Area Community Alliance (CACA) is calling for the immediate revocation of the company’s mining lease.
The group is also demanding urgent intervention from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and all relevant institutions, arguing that Heath Goldfields lacks the capacity to operate the Bogoso-Prestea Underground Mine.
At a news conference on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Catchment Area Community Alliance reiterated that they are not opposed to responsible mining, nor do they object to responsible investors, whether local or foreign.
What they firmly oppose, however, are empty promises, misrepresentations, and the entrusting of a strategic national asset to financially incapable entities.
According to Bulley Gershon, a member of the group, the mining lease was granted on the strength of assurances that Heath Goldfields Limited possessed strong financial backing, immediate access to over $500 million in capital, and the technical capacity to restart and sustainably operate the mine particularly the Prestea Underground operations.
“From the perspective of the host communities, it is now evident that Heath Goldfields Limited lacks the financial capacity required to operate the Bogoso-Prestea Mining Leases, particularly the Prestea Underground Mine. The operation is highly capital-intensive, and while it possesses a long Life of Mine (LOM), this demands sustained and substantial investment to be operated safely and responsibly.
Heath Goldfields’ commitments to fund underground dewatering, ventilation, equipment rehabilitation, and production ramp-up have not been met within the agreed timelines. This failure has compromised the operational readiness of the underground mine.” He stated.
Mr. Gershon noted that the lack of financial capacity on the part of the operator has directly affected the ability of contractors—Rockfield and ENAS engaged to raise and stabilise the dam to perform effectively, resulting in delayed and inadequate work.
He added that the situation represents a serious environmental and public safety risk.
“We are deeply concerned by Heath Goldfields Limited’s intention to conduct blasting operations in areas where the open pit is in close proximity to an established township namely Bondaye and Nakaba.
Under the Ghana Minerals and Mining (Explosives) Regulations, a minimum exclusion distance of 500 metres is required between blasting operations and occupied buildings.
We call on all people to resist any unsafe blasting activity which exposes residents to unacceptable risks, including fly rock, ground vibration, air blast, and structural damage.” He added.
The Catchment Area Community Alliance is encouraging Heath Goldfields to concentrate its energies on operationalising the Prestea Underground Mine.
The group is stating clearly and without hesitation that the facts emerging from operations indicate the government, Nananom, and the host communities were misled.
Read also: https://3news.com/business/heath-goldfields-injecting-funds-to-revive-bogoso-prestea-gold-mine
By Ebenezer Atiemo
