The management of Heat Goldfields has come under intense pressure, as aggrieved workers at the Bogoso Prestea Mine are calling for the termination of the company’s mining lease, citing multiple breaches, including months of unpaid salaries and allegations of equipment tampering.

The workers say they have not been paid since 13 December 2024, and claim only about 30 per cent have received basic salaries. They are demanding that the government revoke the mining lease and seek a more competent investor to revive the defunct mine. “Heat Goldfields has failed to engage workers in the mining process despite taking over operations. We’re questioning the validity of their mining lease due to the secrecy surrounding the issue,” said Richard Amoah Baidoo, Safety Officer at the mine.

He added, “We’re urging the government to clarify who owns the Bogoso Prestea Mine lease and for that person to settle our outstanding debts, including salaries from 2023, SSNIT contributions, end-of-contract benefits, rent allowances, bonuses, and other entitlements, so that there will be peace in the community.”

The mining lease, previously held by Future Global Resources (FGR), was transferred to Heat Goldfields in November 2024. Since then, the mine has reportedly been left idle, with machinery rusting, weeds overtaking the premises, and a damaged tailings dam still unattended.

Workers further allege that Heat Goldfields accessed the mine despite supposed court injunctions and tampered with critical equipment, including the gold room and processing machines, with reports of gold concentrates being removed.

But Heat Goldfields’ Chief Administrator, Kwabena Ohene Obeng, denied wrongdoing, attributing the company’s inaction to legal challenges. “We’ve faced numerous lawsuits and injunctions hindering our work since taking over. While the plant does require refurbishment, plans are underway to address this. Fortunately, the injunctions have been dismissed, and we hope to make progress moving forward.”

On the issue of tampering with materials, Obeng insisted it was part of an internal safety assessment. “Management decided to test the materials to understand their composition and determine the best course of action. This was done to ensure safety and control when refurbishing the plant and handling potentially valuable materials. The testing was solely for assessment purposes.”

However, workers have rejected this explanation. Richard Amoah Baidoo responded: “If there’s an injunction preventing you from operating, why were you still on site? An injunction would typically bar you from activities like sacking employees, removing gold concentrates, or instructing others to leave. Your actions seem to contradict the existence of such a restriction.”

In a bid to de-escalate tensions, Western Region Minister Joseph Nelson, together with Prestea Huni Valley MP Wisdom Cudjoe and Municipal Chief Executive Dr Matthew Ayee, visited the mine on Wednesday, 14 May, to assess the situation.

“The workers’ plight is dire – a year without pay, and the mine’s condition is rapidly deteriorating. Equipment is rusting, and urgent action is needed. As Regional Minister, I’ve listened to their concerns and will forward them to the relevant authorities for resolution,” Nelson said.

The Minister has since summoned Heat Goldfields' management to the Western Regional Coordinating Council for further discussions. As calls grow for the lease to be revoked, many in the community are anxiously awaiting the government’s next steps.