Traditional leaders of the host communities signing the development plan
Heath Goldfields Limited has unveiled a $20 million five-year community development programme aimed at transforming education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic opportunities in communities within its operational area in the Western Region.
The initiative, launched in Prestea last Thursday under the theme, “A New Era of Growth, Opportunity and Hope: Our Commitment to Community Development,” is expected to benefit residents of the Bogoso-Prestea mining enclave through a series of flagship projects and social interventions.
Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of Heath Goldfields, Patrick Appiah Mensah, said the programme reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of mining are translated into tangible improvements in the lives of host communities.
He said key projects earmarked under the five-year plan include the construction of a Nursing Training College in Prestea to expand healthcare education and create opportunities for young people seeking careers in the health sector.
According to him, the company will also establish a Technical and Vocational Training Centre at Beppoh to equip the youth with employable skills and promote entrepreneurship.
Other major projects include the construction of a modern Community Centre in Bogoso, a new clinic and Junior High School at Dumasi, a school block at Brakwaline and a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Kumsono.
Mr. Appiah Mensah said the company was also partnering the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to establish a campus in Prestea, while plans are underway to provide a JHS block and CHPS compound for Kwame Niapa, potable water and a CHPS compound for Akokobediabrow, and improve the road network at Mbease Nsuta.
He stressed that the true value of mining should not be measured solely by the volume of gold produced but by the positive impact on communities.
“The true value of mining is reflected in the jobs created, businesses empowered, families supported and lives transformed,” he stated.
The Managing Director called on the government to provide greater support for indigenous mining companies, arguing that local firms require the same level of backing often extended to foreign mining entities if they are to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He further advocated the visible reinvestment of a significant portion of mining royalties and taxes into mining communities, noting that many of the agitations recorded in such areas stem from perceptions of underdevelopment despite decades of resource extraction.
“If we do not address this challenge intentionally, it risks evolving beyond a social concern into a national security issue,” he cautioned.
Mr. Appiah Mensah also appealed to chiefs, youth and residents to protect mining assets and support the operations of the company, stressing that the success of the mine was directly linked to the success of the development programme.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, he noted that Heath Goldfields inherited a collapsed operation when it took over the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, but said significant progress had been made through the collective efforts of workers, traditional leaders, government and management.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, described the initiative as a demonstration of what can be achieved when mining companies embrace their responsibilities to host communities.
The Founder of Heath Goldfields Limited, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, said the programme was intended to change the development narrative of Prestea, lamenting that despite more than a century of mining activity, the town had little to show in terms of infrastructure and economic progress.
“It has been over 120 years since mining started in Prestea, yet the roads are bad and the youth are suffering. Who does business for over 124 years and shows no prosperity?” he asked.
Minerals Commission
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Emmanuel Anyimah, commended Heath Goldfields for revitalising the Bogoso-Prestea Mine and restoring confidence in Ghanaian participation in the mining industry.
“The initiative by Heath Goldfields is a commendable demonstration of corporate responsibility and partnership with the people whose lands and resources support mining operations,” he said.
Prestea Chief
The Chief of Prestea Himan, Nana Nteboa Prah, described the initiative by Heath Goldfields as a positive step towards improving development in mining host communities.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Prestea
