The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has pledged sweeping reforms and renewed government support for workers of the Bogoso-Prestea Mines in the Western Region, as part of broader efforts to revitalise Ghana’s mining sector.

During a working visit to the mine, the Minister engaged directly with workers, listening to their concerns on safety standards, remuneration, job security, and the long-term future of operations.

He assured them of the government’s active commitment to addressing their challenges and instituting policies that support both workers and surrounding communities. This visit is not just symbolic. It reflects the government’s active commitment to a mining industry that prioritises its workers, promotes responsible practices, and contributes significantly to our national development goals,” the minister said.

Once a strategic national asset, the Bogoso-Prestea Mines has faced operational and financial hurdles in recent years, resulting in declining output and unstable employment. The Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to implement bold reforms to stabilise the mine, restore productivity, and maximise its contribution to GDP.

“The people of Prestea-Huni Valley deserve a mining operation that works for them, not just one that extracts from them. Our vision is to see this mine flourish again—providing jobs, boosting local economies, and leading in responsible mining practices.”

Engagement with Traditional Leadership

As part of the visit, the Minister paid a courtesy call on Nana Nteboa Pra IV, Divisional Chief of the Prestea-Heman Traditional Area. Their discussions focused on community relations, the status of the mine, and the impact of mining on traditional lands.

Nana Nteboa Pra IV welcomed the Minister’s engagement and expressed the traditional council’s readiness to support responsible and community-focused mining. “We are ready to work with the government to ensure that the mine becomes a force for good in our community.”

Cooperative Mining Scheme Launched

Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah also used the occasion to highlight the government’s flagship Cooperative Mining Scheme (CMS), which aims to formalise and empower small-scale miners. The scheme provides technical, financial, and regulatory support while promoting environmentally responsible practices.

“Our Cooperative Mining Scheme is a game-changer. It gives small-scale miners access to equipment, training, and formal markets while reducing the environmental impact and ensuring that revenue benefits stay within our communities.”

He urged illegal miners to transition into cooperative frameworks, promising the Ministry’s support in licensing and capacity-building to create more legal and sustainable jobs in the sector.

Commitment to Sustainable, People-Centred Mining

The Minister emphasised that the future of mining in Ghana must be built on the pillars of sustainability, transparency, and human-centred development. “Revitalising the mining sector is not just about numbers; it’s about people and the planet.

We are committed to ensuring that every policy we roll out enhances the lives of those at the heart of this industry.”

To ensure accountability and progress, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah announced the establishment of a dedicated task force to monitor reforms at Bogoso-Prestea and maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders.

The visit marks a major step in the government’s vision to transform Ghana’s extractive sector. With direct engagement from the Minister, input from traditional leaders, and a clear focus on worker welfare and responsible practices, the people of Prestea-Huni Valley can look forward to a mining industry that supports real, measurable development in their lives.

The Minister was accompanied by the Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni-Valley, Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, the Municipal Chief Executive, and the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, all of whom addressed the workers and reaffirmed government’s support for the mine and its workforce.