The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) has called on the Government to expedite permits for Heath Goldfields Ltd, enabling the restart of operations at the Bogoso-Prestea Gold Mine, following years of operational uncertainty and legal disputes.
Speaking at the union’s second-half National Executive Council meeting, GMWU General Secretary Abdul-Moomin Gbana said, “Having successfully gotten the Bogoso-Prestea Mine to operational readiness, we would like to use this opportunity to call on the Government of Ghana…to support Heath Goldfields with all the relevant permits/licenses that would enable them commence production and processing of gold.”
Gbana highlighted that Heath Goldfields has already cleared a significant portion of outstanding wages owed to workers by the previous leaseholder, with the remaining amounts to be paid under a signed Memorandum of Understanding. “We are confident that all legacy payments will be completed in line with the agreed timelines,” he said, underscoring the union’s focus on protecting employee welfare.
The restart of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine is expected to bolster local employment, secure workers’ salaries, and stabilize mining operations in the Western Region. Analysts note that renewed production at the site could also contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s gold output, particularly amid a global market that has seen prices surge to unprecedented highs above $4,000 per ounce this year.
Gbana emphasized the union’s commitment to a cooperative relationship with Heath Goldfields, pledging, “We pledge our fullest support and commitment to continue to work cooperatively with Heath Goldfields to secure the long-term sustainability of the mine.”
The union also called on regulatory agencies, including the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as local communities, to support the company by facilitating permits and licenses needed for full operational ramp-up.
