Fast Track Announcement of New Investors in Bogoso Prestea Mine – Mineworkers’ Union.

Bogoso: The Ghana Mineworkers' Union has called on the government to expedite action on the announcement of a new investor for the Bogoso Prestea Mine to begin operation. The government, in September 2024, terminated the mining leases of Bogoso Prestea Mine after reviewing various reports from the Minerals Commission as well as a Ministerial Committee constituted to review the operations of the company.According to Ghana News Agency, the government constituted an interim management committee under the auspices of the Minerals Commission. Mr Abdul-Moomin Gbana, the General Secretary of the Union, commended the government for the bold decision to terminate the mining lease of Future Global Resources, which was the holder of the lease for the Bogoso Prestea Mine. He stated, "As a union, our interest is to ensure that the mine is back and running so that our members can get their jobs. The community of Bogoso and Prestea Mine will be revamped once again, so that at least the domestic economy will boom, arising out of the comeback of the mine."Mr Gbana expressed concern about the delay in announcing a new investor, noting that it has been close to two months since proper due diligence and recommendations were made. He highlighted that workers have not received salaries even though the Minerals Commission attempted to provide a one-off stipend, which is not sustainable. The Union has reached out to the government regarding the delay but has not received a straightforward response.Despite the current control of the mine by the Minerals Commission, Mr Gbana remains optimistic about its revival. However, he emphasized the urgency of decision-making, stressing that the Minister should pay more attention to the Bogoso Prestea Mine. He warned that the livelihoods of the workers are at stake and the domestic economy of Bogoso and Prestea Mine has been stagnant for a significant period, urging the government to take immediate action.