Some of the ecstatic workers of Heath Goldfields
Heath Goldfields has chalked up a major milestone which will go a long way to help restore trust, peace and stability at the Bogoso-Prestea mine.
The operators of the mine in the Western Region has been able to settle outstanding entitlements owed former workers of the mining company to the tune of $22 million after years of uncertainty.
The payment covers severance, unpaid salaries, Provident Fund and other benefits inherited from the previous operator, Future Global Resources (FGR).
At a brief appreciation event at Prestea, the branch Secretary of the Mine Workers’ Union at Heath Goldfields, Raymond Bimpong Boateng, remarked “We are very happy that our trust was not misplaced.”
He praised the management of Heath Goldfields, particularly, the Managing Director (MD), Patrick Appiah Mensah, for honouring all the promises made to the former workers.
He disclosed that the company had earlier paid about $9.5million to clear arrears, including provident fund contributions and eight months’ salary owed to workers.
Mr. Boateng noted that the mine was previously in a distressed state, but the situation has improved significantly, with refurbishment works carried out at the plant and across the operational area.
“A year ago, the place was bushy, with corroded equipment and no activity. Today, the site is rehabilitated, well-lit and operational,” he said.
The revival of the mine, he noted, has also triggered renewed economic activity in surrounding communities.
Mr. Appiah Mensah, further explained that the company’s intervention was guided by a commitment to honour all legacy obligations owed to workers.
“We committed to settling all the debts we inherited from the previous operator and agreed on a roadmap with the union. Today, we have fulfilled those commitments,” he said.
He indicated that about 98 percent of affected workers have received their payments, with the remaining beneficiaries expected to complete documentation to access their entitlements.
He added that expansion plans are underway to increase production capacity and create more jobs in the area.
Mr. Mensah noted that the company is focused on rebuilding the mine into a sustainable operation, with workers’ welfare as a key priority.
“In line with our purpose to enrich lives through sustainable mining, we will continue to prioritise our workers because they are our greatest asset,” he added.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Prestea