Accra: The Ghana Mineworkers' Union of the Trade Union Congress has praised Heath Goldfields Limited for settling approximately GHC80 million of the total debt owed to workers of the Bogoso and Prestea Mines. This payment marks a significant step towards fulfilling one of the primary conditions for the granting of the mining leases.
According to Ghana News Agency, the statement was issued by Mr. Abdul-Moomin Gbana, the General Secretary of the Ghana Mineworkers' Union, and shared with the media in Accra. In November 2024, the government awarded the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases to Heath Goldfields Limited. A crucial condition for these leases was the settlement of all outstanding debts to workers, which had been left by the previous leaseholder.
The Union expressed its approval of Heath Goldfields Limited's decisive action to address the legacy debt, despite facing months of legal challenges intended to hinder the company's investment plans for the mines. The statement also highlighted the company's efforts in assembling a team of young Ghanaian mining professionals, focused on revitalizing the Bogoso-Prestea asset for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The Union assured its complete support and commitment to collaborating with Heath Goldfields Limited's new management team to resolve any remaining debts and transform the Bogoso-Prestea Mine into a world-class operation. Furthermore, the Union urged the government, particularly the Sector Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and regulatory bodies such as the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, to back the efforts to rejuvenate the Bogoso-Prestea Mines.
