Workers of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine in the Western region, writing on behalf of local contractors, youth groups, and traditional leaders in the Western Region, have formally petitioned the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, calling for immediate government intervention over what they describe as a deepening crisis at the mine.

The petition, jointly signed by mine workers Richard A. Baidoo, James Quaicoe, and Samuel K. Wilson, outlines a host of urgent concerns, including alleged unauthorised activities, labour abuses, environmental threats, and mismanagement by the company currently operating the mine, Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL).

The workers presented the petition when the Western Region Minister visited the mines on Wednesday, May 14, to engage with the workers regarding the current state of the mines and their future.

“We write this petition to seek your immediate and urgent intervention regarding the ongoing crisis at the Bogoso-Prestea Mine—a crisis threatening thousands of livelihoods, community stability, and the long-term sustainability of the mine itself,” the petitioners stated.

The petition was also copied to several key stakeholders, including the Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni Valley, Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe; the MCE for Prestea Huni Valley, Hon. Matthew Kofi Ayeh; divisional chiefs of the Bogoso-Prestea area; the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; and the Office of the President.

Background to the Crisis

The mine was sold by Golden Star Resources (GSR) to Future Global Resources (FGR) in October 2020. However, FGR’s refusal to pay severance packages to inherited staff led to protracted disputes, which were only partially resolved through a settlement agreement involving key national stakeholders. FGR also failed to invest adequately in the mine, leading to its operational decline.

In December 2023, power supply to the mine was cut by GRIDCo and VRA, further crippling operations. Eventually, in September 2024, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources terminated FGR’s lease after failing to meet conditions within a 120-day window.

Confusion Over Lease Transfer

The workers claim the situation has worsened due to conflicting reports regarding the new leaseholder. They allege that a Ghanaian firm, Heath Goldfields Limited—incorporated only in February 2024 with a stated capital of GH₵10,000—has taken over operations, but without clear official communication from the Ministry or the Minerals Commission.

“This has caused deep uncertainty and unrest. The only information confirming the lease transfer has come from media interviews—not from the Ministry or the Minerals Commission,” the petition read.

The petitioners say HGL introduced itself to local chiefs in February 2025 but has since failed to formally engage workers or clarify employment terms.

Alleged Unauthorised Activities and Abuse

The petition lists several serious allegations, including:

• Illegal gold extraction from the Process Plant during unauthorised midnight operations by HGL operatives.
• Encroachment by illegal miners and flooding underground raising the risks of permanent mine collapse.
• Deterioration of the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), which now poses a real threat of failure, potentially contaminating water bodies and endangering downstream communities.

“If left unaddressed, the situation could lead to a catastrophic failure… Ghana may face its first fatal TSF incident,” the petition warned.

Furthermore, the petitioners allege that workers have been subjected to harassment, unfair dismissals, and threats, especially those who question management decisions.

“The new management remains faceless and inaccessible. Workers are unpaid since February 2024, with only a small fraction allegedly receiving partial payments,” the petition noted.

Call for Government Action

The petitioners are urging the Regional Minister to:

1. Intervene immediately to stop abuse and unsafe working conditions.
2. Clarify officially who currently holds the mining lease and under what terms.
3. Ensure compliance with Ghana’s labour, environmental, and mining regulations.
4. Facilitate the creation of a Multi-Stakeholder Oversight Committee to monitor operations, involving:

• Worker representatives
• Local contractors
• Traditional leaders
• Representatives from the MCE and MP's offices

5. Appoint a financially and technically competent investor to take over operations and restore trust.

“Honourable Minister, the situation at Bogoso-Prestea Mine is dire. Livelihoods are being lost, businesses are collapsing, and trust in leadership is eroding. We are on the brink of total collapse, not just of the mine, but of the community that depends on it,” the petition concluded.

The workers say they are ready to cooperate fully with any investigation or mediation process initiated by the government. Their plea reflects growing calls for transparency, safety, and long-term sustainability in Ghana’s mining sector.