Former employees of the Bogoso-Prestea Mines say they are living through one of the most difficult periods of their lives, as unresolved compensation issues and stalled mining operations continue to push many into severe financial distress.
At a press conference in Accra on November 19, 2025, the group’s convenor, Gabriel Madobi, described how families are now struggling to cover basic needs such as food, medical care and school fees. Several ex-workers have reportedly lost their lives while still waiting for entitlements owed to them, leaving elderly and infirm former staff trapped in hardship despite dedicating decades to the mine.
The crisis dates back to September 3, 2024, when the then Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, cancelled the mining leases of Future Global Resources (FGR). The revocation followed repeated violations, including years of unpaid SSNIT contributions, outstanding Provident Fund deductions, salary arrears and bonuses.
On November 12, 2024, the government handed the concession to Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL), a company introduced as financially capable of restoring operations, clearing old debts and injecting the needed capital into the mine. Residents and workers initially welcomed the transition, hoping long-standing problems would finally be resolved.
However, those expectations have since collapsed. Heath Goldfields reportedly missed key commitments, including an August 2025 promise to settle Provident Fund balances and finalise payments to disengaged workers by September. As of mid-November 2025, only about half of the affected employees have received their contributions, while redundancy and severance packages remain unpaid.
These failures sparked protests that led the current Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to issue a fresh 120-day ultimatum, instructing the company to comply with labour regulations and honour collective agreements. Despite that directive, workers say the situation has not improved.
According to the former employees, the company’s present focus is largely limited to reprocessing old tailings. While this activity may produce quick financial returns, the group argues that it cannot revive a mine that requires major rehabilitation and a full restart of production to ensure long-term viability.
They are now urging the minister to closely review every report and submission made to his office and take decisive action. The group believes only a firm and conclusive resolution can restore the mine’s operations, secure the livelihoods of affected families, and position Bogoso-Prestea for a stable future.
