Gabriel Madobi Oklettey (M) reading the statement
Former Workers of Bogoso/Prestea Mine in the Western Region are up in arms against the current owner of the mine, Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL), over unpaid entitlements.
More than a year after Heath Goldfields took control of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine from Blue Gold Bogoso Prestea Limited, a successor to Future Global Resources (FGR), the takeover has degenerated into labour and investment disputes in the country’s mining history.
They said HGL was granted the mining lease on condition that it would clear all outstanding debts, stabilise operations, and revitalise the mine.
Speaking at a press conference in Prestea, one of the conveners, Gabriel Madobi Oklettey, said Heath Goldfields had disengaged employees under the guise of “operational restructuring” and placed the mine under “care and maintenance,” yet there had been no commitment to settle the affected workers’ dues.
“Since assuming control of the mine during the last quarter of 2024, the company has repeatedly failed to honour basic commitments to workers,” he said.
He noted that under Ghana’s Labour Act of 2003, Act 651, section 18, which speaks on ‘Remuneration on Termination of Employment,’ employees are entitled to full payment of all benefits upon termination.
“Despite this clear legal mandate, Heath Goldfields has repeatedly defaulted on payments,” he alleged.
They thus urged the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, and all relevant authorities to compel the company to pay all outstanding entitlements, including provident fund arrears, severance, and bonuses.
They have also asked the government to institute a comprehensive financial and operational audit of Heath Goldfields to ascertain its true financial capacity and compliance with lease conditions to avert challenges faced by the previous owners.
Background
In October 2020, Future Global Resources (FGR) acquired the Bogoso/Prestea Mine from Golden Star Resources.
Unfortunately, persistent financial and operational failures led to several operational challenges.
Subsequently, on November 12, 2024, the then Minister for Lands and Natural Resources approved the reassignment of the lease to Heath Goldfields Limited, a purported ‘financially and technically capable’ operator.
Placards
The former workers, clad mostly in red attires, held placards some of which read: “Where is the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources?”; “We Say No To Exploitation”; “We Stand United for Fair Treatment”; “Restore Our Livelihood” and “No Hope For Over 400 Workers”.
Addressing the press conference, one of the conveners, Kwame Kyei Addo, noted, “Contrary to expectations, Heath Goldfields has proved unwilling and unable to fulfil all financial obligations to workers.”
He also complained about unfair and discriminatory treatment of employees and selective payments made only to those aligned with certain union interests.
“The former workers can no longer endure unfulfilled promises, shifting payment schedules, and deliberate inaction,” he pointed out.
Ultimatum
He indicated that the former workers are giving Heath Goldfields 120 days’ ultimatum to fulfil their demands or else they will advise themselves accordingly.
“We, the former workers of Bogoso–Prestea Mine are therefore calling on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, and all relevant state institutions to act decisively and without delay,” he stressed.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Prestea