Former workers of the Bogoso–Prestea Mine are demanding the immediate payment of their outstanding entitlements from Heath Goldfields Limited following the company’s takeover of the mine from Blue Gold FGR in 2024.
Addressing a press conference in Prestea, the Convener of the aggrieved workers, Gabriel Madobi Oklettey, said over 400 employees were laid off under the guise of “operational restructuring” and the mine’s placement under “care and maintenance,” yet no assurance has been given regarding their unpaid benefits.
According to him, the workers are still owed their 2023 annual bonuses, end-of-service benefits, accrued leave pay, and redundancy packages. He said the delay in payment has left many former employees struggling to make ends meet.
Mr. Oklettey appealed to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, and other relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that Heath Goldfields fulfills its obligations. He reminded the Lands Minister of his earlier commitment to ensure that the affected workers are paid their due entitlements.
On November 12, 2024, the then Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, John Abu Jinapor, approved the reassignment of the Bogoso–Prestea Mines lease from Blue Gold FGR to Heath Goldfields Limited after terminating the former’s contract for breaches of its mining lease.
However, nearly a year after the takeover, the workers say Heath Goldfields has failed to honour its promise to settle their outstanding benefits.
The former workers also accused the company of deceit and selective re-employment, alleging that despite assurances to re-engage all laid-off staff, only a few have been rehired.
They are therefore urging government intervention to ensure that their arrears are paid and their welfare safeguarded.
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