Mohammed Arthur addressing journalists
Hundreds of residents of Prestea in the Western Region yesterday organised a peaceful walk through the principal streets to throw their support behind Heath Goldfields Limited, operators of the Prestea-Bogoso Mine.
The visibly elated residents, most of whom tied white pieces of cloth on their heads, signifying victory, chanted ‘Heath Must Stay’ as they walked.
According to the residents, Heath Goldfields has proven beyond reasonable doubt that it is ready to support government’s cooperative mining initiative by ceding part of its concession to the community for the project.
They later converged at the forecourt of the mining company in their numbers, where they presented what they termed as a ‘statement of thanksgiving’ to officials of Heath Goldfields.
Speaking to journalists later, the spokesperson, Mohammed Arthur, commended Heath Goldfields for its contributions to local development.
He also praised the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Robert Wisdom Cudjoe; the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Matthew Ayeh; the Divisional Chief of Prestea Heman, Nana Nteboah Prah; Nana Edupayin and Nana Sumpre of Bogoso for their respective roles that have ensured the revival of the mine.
He explained that Heath Goldfields being a Ghanaian- owned company must be supported by the indigenous people instead of allowing a Chinese company to take over.
“As we speak, Heath Goldfields is currently living in peace with all its catchment communities.
“So Ghanaians should disregard those who sit in Accra to speak against the operations of the company,” he stressed.
He noted that Heath Goldfields recently secured some funds to finance the mine from Trafigura, the world’s largest commodity trading firm.
He also applauded the mining company for the massive underground dewatering ongoing and the decision to award haulage and mining activities to local contractors.
Expectations
Among the expectations of the community, Mr. Mohammed Arthur said the residents want the company to recall or re-employ laid off ex-workers and pay outstanding severance to deserving ex-workers.
“We also expect Heath Goldfields to maintain the peace that currently exists between the company and its catchment communities through community engagements.
“The company should also help to strengthen the Cooperative Mining initiative for our artisanal miners and enhance their corporate social responsibilities,” he pointed out.
Nana Kwabena Tenkorang, Chief of Prestea Nsuoekyir, corroborated what the residents said and appealed to the government to give Heath Goldfields the requisite support to thrive.
Nana Toku II, Nifahene of Prestea Heman Traditional Council, also assured the mining company of the chiefs’ massive support so that the area would be developed to befit its status as a mining town.
A former MP for Prestea, Kwesi Blay, expressed regret that Prestea has nothing better to show as a mining area. He was hopeful that Heath Goldfields being a local company will bring to the area the needed development.
“So we are all saying Heath Goldfields must stay,” he stressed.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Prestea