Lawyer Kwame Akuffo
Lawyer Kwame Akuffo, a private legal practitioner, has maintained that Heath Goldfields has the technical and financial capability to run the Bogoso-Prestea Mine in the Western Region.
He made the statement on Newsfile on JoyNews last Saturday.
This was after another private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, who was also on the programme, had called for the termination of Heath Goldfields’ contract, citing a failure to meet stipulated operational timelines.
It would be recalled that Heath Goldfields recently announced a landmark $2.8 billion offtake agreement with Trafigura Pte Limited, the world’s largest commodity trading firm, securing the purchase of 700,000 ounces of gold from the Bogoso-Prestea Mine.
The agreement also includes Trafigura’s commitment of $65 million in accompanying debt financing to restart the Bogoso-Prestea Mine’s oxide ore operations.
However, Mr. Kpebu alleged that Heath Goldfields had collateralised the Bogoso-Prestea Mine to Trafigura for $65 million without prior approval from the sector minister.
Lawyer Kwame Akuffo, who was representing Heath Goldfields, strongly defended the company against the allegation.
He made it clear that the collateralisation of the company’s asset was subject to consent by the sector minister.
He, therefore, pointed out that the company’s conduct has not attracted any regulatory sanctions.
He indicated that it was too early to condemn the operations of the local mining company, stressing that Heath Goldfields has the technical and financial capability to operate.
Lawyer Akuffo also rejected allegations from Martin Kpebu regarding non-compliance and failed investment, describing them as misleading and inaccurate.
Meanwhile, Heath Goldfields has cautioned against the spread of inaccurate information, stating they are committed to transparency.
In a statement issued by management, the company said the allegations do not reflect the true legal and operational framework under which it operates.
It expressed concern over what it termed “the spread of incomplete and misleading information” and cautioned that such narratives could misinform employees, surrounding communities, and the wider public.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, Heath Goldfields stressed that it relies on established and verifiable communication channels in all its engagements.
The company further noted that it continues to work closely with regulators, its workforce, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that accurate and timely information is shared.
According to the statement, operations at the Bogoso-Prestea Gold Mine remain active.
“Ongoing activities are being carried out in line with the approved Mine Development Plan and under the oversight of the Minerals Commission of Ghana,” the statement said.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi