Frustration is mounting among workers at the Bogoso Prestea Mine as they call on the government to immediately terminate the mining lease granted to Heat Goldfields.
The employees accuse the company of breaching its contractual obligations, failing to pay salaries since December 2024, and engaging in questionable conduct on site.
According to the workers, only a small fraction—about 30 percent—have received partial salaries since December 13, 2024. Many claim that despite assurances, Heat Goldfields has failed to engage them or formally introduce itself since it took over operations, leaving them uncertain about their future and livelihoods.
“Heat Goldfields has failed to engage workers in the mining process despite taking over operations. We’re questioning the validity of their mining lease due to secrecy surrounding the issue,” one worker lamented.
There are also allegations that Heat Goldfields has tampered with essential equipment such as processing machines, the gold room, and even removed gold concentrates under unclear circumstances.
Richard Amoah Baidoo, the Safety Officer at the mine, voiced strong concerns over the lack of transparency and unpaid benefits. “We’re urging the government to clarify who owns the Bogoso Prestea Mine lease and for that person to settle our outstanding debts, including salaries from 2023, SSNIT contributions, end-of-contract benefits, rent allowances, bonuses, and other entitlements so that there will be peace in the community.”
In response to the accusations, Heat Goldfields’ Chief Administrator, Kwabena Ohene Obeng, dismissed claims of mismanagement, blaming the challenges on a series of legal hurdles. “We’ve faced numerous lawsuits and injunctions hindering our work since taking over. While the plant does require refurbishment, plans are underway to address this.
Contrary to claims of neglect, we’ve had to navigate these legal setbacks. Fortunately, the injunctions have been dismissed, and we hope to make progress moving forward.”
However, workers contest this explanation, arguing that the company’s access to the mine during the injunction period undermines its defense. They insist that machinery was tampered with and gold concentrates removed despite supposed restrictions.
Baidoo questioned the legitimacy of the company’s actions. “If there’s an injunction preventing you from operating, why were you still on site? An injunction would typically bar you from activities like sacking employees, removing gold concentrates, or instructing others to leave. Your actions seem to contradict the existence of such a restriction.”
Obeng clarified that the removed materials were taken for analysis, not profit. “Management decided to test the materials to understand their composition and determine the best course of action. This was done to ensure safety and control when refurbishing the plant and handling potentially valuable materials. The testing was solely for assessment purposes,” he explained.
The ongoing standoff has drawn the attention of regional authorities. On Wednesday, May 14, Western Region Minister Joseph Nelson, together with Prestea Huni Valley MP Wisdom Cudjoe and Municipal Chief Executive Dr. Matthew Ayee, visited the mine to hear from the affected workers.
Minister Nelson acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “The workers’ plight is dire – a year without pay, and the mine’s condition is rapidly deteriorating. Equipment is rusting, and urgent action is needed. As Regional Minister, I’ve listened to their concerns and will forward them to the relevant authorities for resolution,” he assured.
He further questioned the company’s ability to turn the mine around. “The current state of the mine raises serious questions about the new company’s commitment to reviving operations and benefiting the local community so as a Regional Minister, I have listened to their concerns, and I will channel it to appropriate quarters for it to be addressed.”
