A new chapter of hope, economic revival and community transformation has begun in Prestea and Bogoso following the launch of a five-year community development plan by indigenous mining firm, Heat Goldfields.
The company has committed US$20 million over the next five years towards legacy development projects aimed at transforming lives across its mining catchment communities through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, skills training and job creation.
Speaking at the official launch attended by traditional leaders, politicians, opinion leaders and residents, the Managing Director of Heath Goldfields, Michael Appiah Mensah, said the initiative represents a bold commitment to ensure mining benefits host communities beyond gold extraction.
“Today is not merely a ceremony. Today is a statement of belief — a belief that mining must not only extract gold from the earth, but also unlock opportunities for the people whose land carries that gold,” he stated.
Mr. Appiah Mensah said the company inherited a collapsed Bogoso-Prestea Mine when it assumed operational responsibility, describing the situation as one marked by flooded underground workings, abandoned pits, vandalised infrastructure, unpaid salaries, pensions and severance obligations.
According to him, the shutdown of the mine had devastating effects on the local economy, resulting in loss of jobs, struggling businesses and declining economic activities within the mining communities.
“The mine is not just a business. The mine is the heartbeat of the local economy,” he noted.
Despite the challenges, he said the company chose “courage over convenience” and embarked on aggressive rehabilitation works, including underground dewatering, restoration of processing plants and recommencement of mining activities.
The Managing Director disclosed that the company had already created about 1,500 direct and indirect jobs while injecting significant capital into the local economy.
“Within five months of active operations, the company has spent more than GH¢150 million on procurement within our local catchment communities to support local contractors and suppliers,” he revealed.
He added that Heath Goldfields has also paid GH¢290 million towards inherited worker-related liabilities, including outstanding salaries, pension contributions and severance obligations.
As part of its five-year development agenda, the company announced several flagship projects, including the establishment of a Nursing Training College in Prestea, a modern community centre at Bogoso, a technical and vocational training centre at Bepo, and a modern market complex at Bondaye.
Other projects include the establishment of an underground campus of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Prestea in partnership with the university, construction of schools and health facilities in Dumasi, Brakwa, Kwame Niampa and other communities, as well as potable water systems and road infrastructure improvements.
Mr. Appiah Mensah further announced scholarship schemes for brilliant but needy students, youth apprenticeship programmes and graduate training opportunities aimed at preparing young people for employment within the mining and technical sectors.
“We believe the true value of mining is not measured only in ounces of gold. It is measured in jobs created, businesses supported, families empowered and lives transformed,” he stressed.
The company also used the occasion to call on government to extend development and stability support frameworks to indigenous mining companies similar to incentives often granted to foreign-owned firms.
According to the Managing Director, supporting indigenous mining companies would help create more local jobs, build local capacity and retain greater economic value within Ghana.
He further appealed for a greater portion of mineral royalties and taxes generated from mining to be visibly reinvested into mining communities to address rising concerns over underdevelopment in mining areas.
“The rising agitations we are witnessing across several mining communities are often rooted in perceptions of underdevelopment despite years of mineral extraction,” he cautioned.
In line with its commitment to responsible and inclusive mining, Heath Goldfields announced that portions of its concession had been released to support government’s community mining programme.
Mr. Appiah Mensah also appealed to chiefs and residents within the catchment communities to protect the mine from illegal activities and acts that threaten operations and infrastructure.
“The funds required to complete these projects will only be generated if the mine remains stable, productive and secure,” he said.
He paid glowing tribute to the company’s founder and Emeritus Chairman, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, for his leadership and vision in reviving one of Ghana’s historic mines and supporting indigenous enterprise development.
“At Heath Goldfields, our purpose is simple — to enrich lives through sustainable gold mining. The story of Bogoso-Prestea is still being written, and generations from now people will look back and say this was the moment a mining company chose not only to build a mine, but to rebuild hope, dignity, opportunity and jobs for our people,” he concluded.
Present were Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, Founder of Heath Goldfields; Nana Kobina Nketiah V, President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs; Nana Nteboa Pra V, Prestea Heman Chief; Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, MP for Prestea Huni-Valley; and Matthew Ayeh, MCE for Prestea Huni-Valley, among others.
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