By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), August 26, GNA-The current leaseholder and operator of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine in the Western Region, Heath Goldfields Limited, has settled a substantial part of the GH¢80 million total debt owed to the workers for salaries and wages.
Th Ghana Mine Workers Union has, therefore, commended Heath Goldfields Limited, saying this had brought some relief to its members and their families after several months of legal tussle.
Mr Abdul-Moomin Gbana, General Secretary, Ghana Mineworkers Union of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Ghana, in a speech read on his behalf confirmed this during its National Executive Council meeting organized in Tarkwa
He recalled in November 2024, Government issued the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases to Heath Goldfields Limited amidst several months of agitations by the GMWU and its members during which they called for the termination of the mining leases due to the inability of the former leaseholder to operate the Bogoso-Prestea Mines.
The General Secretary said after several weeks of due diligence by the Minerals Commission and recommendation to the Government, the lease was finally terminated and issued to Heath Goldfields Limited subject to several conditions.
“Key to the conditions was the settlement of all outstanding indebtedness owed to our members by the pervious leaseholder.
Unfortunately, as you may all be aware, this decision eventually became a subject matter of intense legal tussle making it difficult for the restart of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine”.
Mr Gbana announced that the management of Heath Goldfields Limited was working with the GMWU to settle the remaining worker-indebtedness and also restart the operations of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine.
He further praised Heath Goldfields Limited for assembling a team of smart, motivated, and young Ghanaian mining professionals who were determined to turnaround the Bogoso-Prestea asset for the greater good of all stakeholders.
The General Secretary, on behalf of the GMWU, pledged the fullest support and commitment to working cooperatively and collaboratively with the new management team of Heath Goldfields Limited not only to settle the remaining indebtedness but ultimately restart the Mine and transform it into a worldclass asset.
He used the opportunity to call on the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Regulatory Agencies, especially the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Authority, chiefs, and people of Bogoso and Prestea, to support the turnaround efforts of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine under the management of Heath Goldfields Limited.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/Christian Akorlie