Bogoso: Civil society groups and community leaders have renewed calls for the termination of Heath Goldfields Limited's lease over the Bogoso-Prestea Mines. They cited alleged breaches of statutory obligations, failure to meet operational commitments, and unauthorized encumbrances of national assets.
According to Ghana News Agency, the call was made at a press briefing by the Catchment Area Community Alliance (CACA), in collaboration with legal practitioner Mr. Martin Kpebu, who outlined concerns over the company's performance since acquiring the lease on December 13, 2024. The Alliance emphasized that the lease was granted during a transitional period despite directives for a halt to such transactions, raising concerns about due process.
The Alliance reported that the company's Revised Strategic Mine Development Plan had promised a US$500 million investment, prompt payment of employee entitlements, and phased rehabilitation of infrastructure, but those commitments had not been fulfilled more than 16 months after the takeover. Underground shafts remained flooded, the tailings storage facility was incomplete, and key equipment, including the gyratory crusher, had not been installed.
Employee entitlements, including SSNIT and severance payments totaling US$4.9 million, were outstanding. The Alliance noted that although the Minerals Commission issued a 120-day notice in June 2025 for the company to remedy the breaches, it failed to comply. A Stop Work Notice was also issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines due to unsafe underground conditions.
Mr. Kpebu expressed concerns that the company lacked the financial capacity to operate the mine and urged the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to invoke Section 68 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) to revoke the lease. He also highlighted concerns about a US$65 million prepayment financing agreement with Trafigura, which he claimed created unauthorized charges over national mining assets without parliamentary ratification or ministerial approval.
"This shift from private equity to a mortgage structure over a sovereign mineral right is deeply concerning. It undermines the integrity of Ghana's mining sector and places national resources at risk," he stated. Mr. Kpebu called for the termination of the lease and a transparent process to secure a credible investor, adding, "The people of Prestea deserve a capable and well-resourced operator. Governance must ensure accountability in the management of our mineral wealth."