Frustrated workers of the embattled Bogoso Prestea Mine are questioning the “deafening silence” of Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah over the mine’s collapse, following an assurance to revive the mine during his visit on May 23.
The miners fear the inaction on the part of the Minister could result in a further decay of critical infrastructure at the mine.
Isaac Amprofe, a spokesperson for the workers has challenged the Minister to honour his “unfulfilled two-week promise to address critical issues regarding the mine.” He contends that there is no visible effort on the part of the government to salvage the situation.
“We’re also angered by Heath Goldfields officials who claim ownership but lack financial capacity to operate. Hon. Kofi Buah’s silence is unacceptable while the mine deteriorates,” he shared with Connect News in Takoradi.
Mr Amprofe alleges that structural integrity of the mine will be compromised given that water levels have risen to the level 18 and threatening the overall survival of the Prestea Underground Mine. He also indicated that no safeguarding measures have been undertaken to stop encroachment by illegal miners to the site.
Health Goldfields’ Capacity in Doubt
The workers reiterate that Heath Goldfields does not have the financial capacity to operate the mine. They believe the company is more of a broker than an investor capable of turning the fortunes of the mine around.
They are therefore urging the Minister to reconsider these issues and the plight of workers, in a decision that will result in the termination of the lease granted Heath Goldfields Limited.
“As workers, we assert Heath Goldfields are brokers, not investors. The Minister must stop shielding them while our livelihoods drown,” he appealed.
Demonstration
The workers say they are compelled to stage a community-wide demonstration should the Minister fail to do the needful. They hint that the demonstration will be far reaching than previous ones, adding that the only response they expect from the Minister and for that matter, government, is the termination of the lease of Heath Goldfields and the subsequent appointment of “a more financially sound and technically competent investor, with the capacity of profitably operationalizing the mine.”
However, no definite date has been announced for the demonstration, should their demands go unanswered.
