Former workers of the Bogoso Prestea Mine are demanding the immediate payment of outstanding salaries, benefits, and severance packages from Heath Goldfields Limited.
They are also calling for a government investigation into the company’s takeover of the mine, which they say has left hundreds of families struggling to survive.
The mine, located in the Western Region, has faced years of instability since Future Global Resources (FGR) acquired it from Golden Star Resources in 2020. FGR’s financial troubles soon led to unpaid wages and growing unrest among workers, prompting intervention from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
In August 2024, the then Minister gave FGR 120 days to fix multiple breaches of its mining lease. When the company failed to comply, the government terminated the lease and reassigned it in November 2024 to Heath Goldfields Limited, described at the time as a financially capable operator that could settle all debts and restore stability.
Almost a year later, that optimism has faded.
According to a statement issued by the former workers on October 31, Heath Goldfields has not honoured most of the financial commitments it made when it took over the mine. They accuse the company of unfair treatment, selective payments, and failing to engage openly with employees and local stakeholders.
“We are grateful for the Minister’s intervention, which forced the company to make limited payments to a few former workers,” the statement said. “But nearly five months after the directive, Heath Goldfields continues to defy both moral and legal obligations.”
More than 400 workers were laid off under what the company described as an operational restructuring. While some received partial payments for salary arrears and provident funds, many say they have not been paid their full entitlements under Ghana’s Labour Act, including severance, bonuses, and accrued leave.
The group also questioned the legitimacy of the lease transfer itself, arguing that Heath Goldfields has not met the financial and operational conditions attached to it. They claim the company’s repeated failure to meet obligations raises concerns about whether proper due diligence was conducted before the takeover.
The workers are now urging the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission to compel the company to settle all outstanding payments and to launch a full audit into its operations and finances.
“The time for promises has passed,” the statement said. “Many of us dedicated our lives to this mine, and our families are suffering. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
The petition was signed by conveners Kwame Kyei Addo, Moses Tandoh, and Francis Eshun on behalf of the former workers and copied to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the Western Regional Minister, the Minerals Commission, and other relevant authorities.
Source: metrotvonline.com
