The Catchment Area Community Alliance (CACA) has launched a public appeal to the Presidency and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, demanding a “credible investor” to take over the Bogoso-Prestea Mine in the Western Region.
In a formal press statement on Thursday, February 12, the group—representing the host communities of Bogoso, Prestea, Himan, Dumasi, Bondaye, and Nakaba—alleged that the current operator, Heath Goldfields Limited, secured its mining leases through “deceit and misrepresentation”.
According to CACA, the mining leases were originally granted based on firm assurances that the company possessed immediate access to over $500 million in capital and the technical expertise to restart the Prestea Underground operations.
However, residents claim these commitments have remained unfulfilled, leaving the strategic national asset in a state of terminal neglect.
A community on the brink of environmental disaster
The most urgent concern raised by the host communities involves the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), which is reportedly at full capacity.
CACA warned that active deposition continues despite a lack of “freeboard”, creating a catastrophic risk for downstream communities.
Key grievances cited by the Catchment Area Community Alliance:
- Financial Incapacity: Failure to fund critical underground dewatering, ventilation, and equipment rehabilitation within agreed timelines.
- Safety Violations: Alleged plans to conduct blasting operations within 500 metres of the Bondaye and Nakaba townships, in direct violation of Ghana Minerals and Mining (Explosives) Regulations.
- Contractor Default: The operator’s financial struggles have reportedly prevented contractors like Rockfield and ENAS from stabilising the tailings dam, heightening the risk of a breach.
“Active tailings deposition is taking place in a facility that is effectively full… This presents a direct threat to downstream communities, including Dumasi and Bogoso and its environs, in the event of a tailings dam failure,” the alliance cautioned.
90-day ultimatum to remedy breaches
The communities revealed that the government has already issued a 90-day notice, effective 1st January 2026, for Heath Goldfields to remedy the documented breaches of its mining leases. With the deadline fast approaching, CACA is urging the state not to allow the mine to collapse into another cycle of failure and job losses.
The Alliance clarified that they are not opposed to mining but are resolute in their opposition to “financially incapable entities” being entrusted with their economic lifeline.
Signatories and Community Leadership
The press statement was supported by a broad coalition of local leaders, including:
- Mr. Karim Salifu: NDC Constituency Chairman.
- Shaibu Dimbie: Assemblyman for Anfagya Nakaba.
- Messiah K.A. Baidoo: Native of Dumasi.
- Franklin Abban: Indigene of Bogoso.
The group has vowed to resist any “unsafe blasting activity” that exposes residents to fly rock or structural damage, calling on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to prioritise the safety of citizens over the interests of the operator.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
