The Catchment Area Community Alliance (CACA), which represents host communities of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, has called on the government to urgently intervene in the management of the company’s mining leases, citing serious concerns over the financial and operational capacity of the current operator, Heath Goldfields Limited.
The group said the mine, a strategic national asset and key economic lifeline for local communities, was being mismanaged and could pose serious environmental and safety risks.
The alliance last Monday escalated its protests against the operations of Heath Goldfields Limited with a public demonstration in the community before addressing the media about concerns relating to the lease concession.
Finance capacity
According to the alliance, Heath Goldfields Limited secured the mining leases on assurances of strong financial backing, immediate access to over $500 million, and technical capacity to operate the Prestea Underground Mine.
However, CACA said, those assurances had not been met.
“From our perspective, it is now evident that Heath Goldfields Limited lacks the financial capacity required to operate the Bogoso-Prestea Mining Leases, particularly the Prestea Underground Mine,” the alliance said.
“Critical infrastructure and processing plant equipment promised in the Strategic Mine Development Plan have not materialised, compromising operational readiness,” it said.
Environmental concerns
The statement also highlighted environmental concerns, particularly regarding the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), which it claimed was nearly full and posed direct risks to downstream communities, including Dumasi and Bogoso.
It said delays in stabilisation work by contractors, attributed to the operator’s lack of funds, had heightened fears of a potential tailings dam failure.
The alliance further condemned planned blasting operations near Bondaye and Nakaba, warning that such activities could violate the Ghana Minerals and Mining (Explosives) Regulations, which require a minimum exclusion distance of 500 metres from occupied buildings.
Petition, notice
The residents, who have reportedly issued multiple petitions to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the Office of the President, stressed that they did not oppose responsible mining or investors.
Their opposition, they said, was directed at empty promises, misrepresentations, and financially incapable entities being entrusted with a strategic national asset.
CACA indicated that Heath Goldfields Limited had been served a 90-day notice on December 29, 2025, starting January 1, 2026, to remedy breaches of the mining leases, but little progress had been made.
“Our communities have endured repeated cycles of mine failure, job losses, and environmental neglect.
We cannot afford another collapse,” the statement said, urging government intervention, accountability, and the engagement of a credible investor to secure the mine’s future.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh