Former workers of the Bogoso–Prestea Mine are calling on the government to compel Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL) to immediately pay all outstanding entitlements owed to them, citing months of unfulfilled promises and growing hardship among affected families.
In a strongly worded petition dated October 31, 2025, and addressed to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the aggrieved former workers accused Heath Goldfields of “repeatedly failing to honour basic commitments to workers” since assuming control of the mine in late 2024.
“Contrary to expectations, Heath Goldfields proved unwilling or unable to fulfil all these financial obligations to workers,” the petition stated, adding that the company had engaged in “acts that have further eroded trust and confidence.”
The Bogoso–Prestea Mine has been at the centre of controversy since Future Global Resources (FGR) acquired it from Golden Star Resources in 2020.
Persistent financial and operational difficulties under FGR led to months of labour unrest, forcing the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to revoke its mining lease in August 2024.
Following FGR’s termination, the lease was reassigned in November 2024 to Heath Goldfields Limited, which was described at the time as a “financially and technically capable” operator expected to settle all outstanding debts and stabilize operations.
However, nearly a year later, workers say those promises have been broken.
“Nearly five months after the Minister’s directive, HGL continues to defy both moral and legal obligations,” the petition read.
“The company’s repeated failure to pay all entitlements exposes a disturbing disregard for the authority of the Ministry and the welfare of Ghanaian workers.”
According to the petition, more than 400 employees were laid off under the guise of “operational restructuring” and the mine being placed under “care and maintenance.”
While limited payments covering salary arrears and provident fund contributions have been made, many workers remain unpaid.
“Beyond limited payments covering portions of salary arrears and provident funds, the company has failed to honour its full obligations. As a result, hundreds of former employees remain in severe financial distress, their families struggling to survive,” the group lamented.
The workers referenced Section 18 of Ghana’s Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which mandates full payment of all benefits upon termination of employment. Despite this, they allege that HGL has defaulted on several commitments, including those made in a memorandum dated August 27, 2025, and a follow-up in October 2025.
“These repeated deferments make it clear that HGL lacks both the financial strength and the integrity to manage the Bogoso/Prestea Mine responsibly,” the statement said.
The group is demanding an immediate government-led financial and operational audit of Heath Goldfields Limited to verify its capacity to operate the mine and fulfil its lease conditions.
They have also urged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and other relevant agencies to take decisive action to ensure that “justice is not delayed.”
“The time for further promises has passed,” the statement noted.
“The dignity, livelihoods, and rights of Ghanaian mine workers must not be sacrificed at the altar of empty assurances.”
Attempts to reach Heath Goldfields Limited for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
