The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has officially terminated the mining leases of FGR Bogoso Prestea Mining Limited.

This decision, announced in a press statement on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, was based on recommendations from the Minerals Commission and the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.

The Ministry stated that the move followed thorough reviews of reports from the Minerals Commission and a Ministerial Committee set up to assess the company’s operations, alongside consultations with relevant stakeholders.

"The Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, acting on the advice and recommendation of the Minerals Commission and the Attorney-General, pursuant to article 88 of the Constitution, sections 5(1), 68(1) and 100(2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and regulation 200(1) of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176), has terminated the mining leases granted to FGR Bogoso Prestea Limited (the Company), and directed the Minerals Commission to issue a notice of termination to the Company, in accordance with regulation 200(4) of L.I. 2176."

"The decision to terminate the mining leases was taken after reviewing various reports from the Minerals Commission as well as a Ministerial Committee constituted to review the operations of the Company, and after extensive engagement with all stakeholders involved in this matter."

The Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU), along with over 400 of its members, staged a demonstration on April 25 and 26, 2024, at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources demanding action against the company.

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Their protest was to draw the government’s attention to the inactivity at the company that was affecting the community's livelihood.

In response, the Ministry assured the union and the workers of its commitment to safeguarding their interests and the well-being of the Bogoso-Prestea communities.

A committee was subsequently established to investigate the situation, leading to the termination of the mining leases.

In February this year, traditional leaders in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality also rose against Future Global Resources (FGR) for failing to revamp the Bogoso Prestea mine as promised in September 2021 when they took over the concession from Golden Star Resources.

The chiefs were particularly angry at the government and mining sector regulators for failing to intervene to address the situation despite several appeals to them.