Divisional chiefs from mining communities around the Bogoso-Prestea area in the Western Region have petitioned President John Mahama to urgently secure a financially capable investor to revive operations at the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, warning that prolonged uncertainty threatens jobs, local businesses and social stability.
In a petition cited by MyJoyOnline, dated March 18, 2026, received via the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and addressed to the Jubilee House, the traditional leaders described the mine as one of Ghana’s most important gold assets and a historic economic lifeline for the surrounding communities.
“For generations, the Bogoso-Prestea Mine has remained one of Ghana’s most important gold mining assets and a critical economic pillar for the communities within our jurisdiction,” the chiefs stated.
The traditional leaders include the Divisional Chief of Bondaye Nsuta, Nana Adu Panyin II; Divisional Chief of Prestea-Himan Nana Nteboa Prah IV; and the Divisional Chief of Bogoso, Nana Kwesi Sompreh II.
They emphasised that the mine has historically provided employment, stimulated local commerce and supported infrastructure development across the area.
Termination of previous operator
The petition recounts that mining leases previously held by Future Global Resources were terminated in September 2024 by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources after the company reportedly failed to meet financial and operational obligations.
Traditional authorities say they supported that decision at the time, believing it would pave the way for a stronger investor capable of restoring production and confidence.
“We welcomed that decision because we believed it would open the way for a financially capable and technically competent investor to revive the operations of the mine,” the petition noted.
New operator yet to deliver
Following the termination, the mining leases were granted in December 2024 to Heath Goldfields Limited, a move that initially rekindled hope among residents.
However, more than a year later, the chiefs say the expected rehabilitation and redevelopment have not materialised.
“More than a year after the grant of the mining leases, the level of progress expected in the redevelopment and revitalisation of the mine has not materialized as anticipated,” they said, adding that communities remain anxious about the mine’s future.
Strategic national asset
The chiefs stressed that the Bogoso-Prestea Mine still holds substantial untapped mineral resources and could significantly boost Ghana’s gold output if properly managed.
“Your Excellency, the Bogoso-Prestea Mine remains a strategic national asset with significant mineral resources,” the petition stated.
They noted that with sufficient capital investment, modern technology and sound management, the mine could once again become a major contributor to national revenue and employment.
The Bogoso-Prestea complex is known for both surface and underground mining, including the processing of refractory ores — gold deposits that require advanced treatment techniques such as pressure oxidation before extraction.
These operations demand substantial financial resources, technical expertise and continuous maintenance, making investor capacity critical to the mine’s viability.
Historically, the mine has included:
- Open-pit operations extracting near-surface ore
- Deep underground workings requiring specialised equipment
- Processing plants for refractory gold ores
- Tailings management facilities
- Extensive support infrastructure
Industry analysts note that such operations are capital-intensive and difficult to restart once halted, often requiring hundreds of millions of dollars in rehabilitation investment.
Appeal for presidential intervention
The chiefs are urging direct government action to ensure the mine is placed under management capable of restoring productivity.
“We therefore humbly appeal to Your Excellency to kindly intervene and ensure that the Bogoso-Prestea Mine is placed under the management of a financially capable investor,” they stated.
They stressed that any new operator must possess both financial strength and technical expertise to rehabilitate facilities, address outstanding challenges and resume sustainable mining.
Socio-economic implications
Mining has long been the backbone of the Bogoso-Prestea area’s economy. Prolonged inactivity has affected employment levels, small businesses and municipal revenue streams.
Local leaders warn that continued uncertainty could heighten economic hardship and social tensions in communities heavily dependent on mining activity.
The chiefs also reaffirmed their willingness to support responsible mining operations that promote development while protecting community interests.
“We remain committed as Traditional Authorities to supporting responsible mining operations that promote development, employment, and social stability within our jurisdiction,” the petition stated.
Copies of the petition were sent to the Minerals Commission, the Western Regional Minister and other regulatory bodies, underscoring the urgency attached to the issue.
Stakeholders are of the view that the fate of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine will be closely watched, given its potential to contribute significantly to Ghana’s gold sector — a cornerstone of the national economy.
For residents of the catchment communities, however, the issue is deeply personal.
Their message to the government is clear: revive the mine, restore livelihoods and secure the long-term future of one of Ghana’s historic mining centres.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com