The Coalition of Concerned Citizens (CCC), a pressure group, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to establish an independent investigation into the acquisition and operations of the Bogoso–Prestea Mine by Heath Goldfields Limited.
According to the coalition, the takeover was marred by alleged misrepresentation, regulatory lapses, and failure to meet key financial and operational obligations.
The Bogoso–Prestea Mine, one of Ghana’s oldest gold mining assets, was taken over by Heath Goldfields after the mining leases of the former operator, FGR Bogoso–Prestea Mine, were terminated in September 2024.
The termination followed insolvency, unpaid statutory obligations, and failure to invest in the mine.
Following the revocation, the Minerals Commission invited applications from both local and international investors, including firms from Ghana, China, and Turkey.
The CCC stated that Heath Goldfields was recommended largely on the basis of representations that it was a subsidiary of Yilmaden Holding, the mining arm of Turkey’s Yıldırım Group, with access to investment capital exceeding US$500 million.
The petitioners said the company pledged to inject US$150 million within the first 18 months and a total of US$500 million over five years, commitments they claim influenced the approval process.
However, they argue that developments after the approval raised serious concerns.
“Records from the Registrar-General’s Department indicate that Heath Goldfields was incorporated in February 2024 with a stated capital of GH¢10, 000,” the coalition stated.
It further alleged that Yilmaden Holding does not list Heath Goldfields among its subsidiaries, raising questions about the company’s ownership structure, control, and financial backing.
The CCC also alleged that mining leases were issued on December 13, 2024, despite Heath Goldfields’ failure to meet key preconditions set by the Minerals Commission, including the settlement of outstanding salaries and worker entitlements inherited from the previous operator.
The coalition described this as a lapse in due diligence and suggested that the transaction may have been rushed ahead of a change in government.
Copies of the petition have been forwarded to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), with a request for a forensic review of the lease approval process.
The group questioned the roles played by senior officials of the Minerals Commission and the former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in approving and issuing the leases.
On labour issues, the CCC reported that more than 400 workers had been laid off since Heath Goldfields assumed control of the mine, despite assurances that jobs would be protected through recapitalisation and recommissioning efforts.
Under the company’s Strategic Mine Development Plan, Heath Goldfields was expected to settle salaries, provident fund contributions, SSNIT arrears, severance packages, and other legacy liabilities shortly after negotiations with labour unions.
However, the coalition noted that six months later, several obligations, including severance pay, SSNIT arrears, and Tier 2 pension contributions, remained outstanding.
They noted that the situation had negatively affected the communities of Bogoso and Prestea, leading to loss of livelihoods and increased economic hardship.
Furthermore, the CCC indicated the key capital projects outlined in the development plan, including processing plant rehabilitation and acquisition of mining equipment, had not been implemented, resulting in stalled production.
The petitioners, therefore, called on the President to order an independent investigation into ownership claims, financial capacity, regulatory conduct, and compliance with lease conditions.
By Cliff Ekuful
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