Hope has been rekindled in the Prestea-Bogoso enclave following the rapid revival of mining operations by Heath Goldfields, with residents and stakeholders calling on government to safeguard the company’s growing investment.
At a press conference held yesterday, Monday, the Association for Responsible Mining and Development in Prestea-Bogoso endorsed the indigenous mining firm, describing its intervention as a turning point for a community that had endured nearly two years of economic inactivity and uncertainty.
According to the spokesperson and elected Assembly Member for Bepo Thomas Enyam, the once-dormant Prestea-Bogoso mine has been brought back to life within just three months of Heath Goldfields’ takeover—an achievement they say defies expectations in the mining industry.
“Ordinarily, a mine that had been closed for almost two years would require another two years to resume operations, but Heath Goldfields has demonstrated otherwise,” the group noted.
Flanked by other Executives, the Association credited the company’s swift operationalisation of the mine to decisive government leadership, particularly the support of the President and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in granting the necessary permits.
They said the revival has already had a significant socio-economic impact, including the creation of over 1,400 direct and indirect jobs, while engaging more than 15 local contracting firms.
The renewed activity has also boosted demand for housing, food and other essential services within the community.
In a major relief to former workers, the group disclosed that Heath Goldfields has settled outstanding salaries, bonuses and provident fund contributions owed by the previous operator for 2024 and 2025.
The total payment, estimated at GH¢139 million has restored dignity and hope to thousands of affected workers and their families.
The Association further commended the company for settling debts owed to key institutions such as VRA, GRIDCo and the municipal assembly, as well as making part payments to local suppliers and contractors.
“These interventions have significantly contributed to the resumption of active mining operations in the third quarter of 2025,” the statement said.
The group also highlighted technical strides made by the company, including the reduction of dangerously high underground water levels and the rehabilitation of the processing plant, which has since resumed operations after power restoration.
They noted that the company’s commitment to local content is evident in its decision to entrust mining activities and service provision largely to Ghanaian-owned businesses, particularly those within the host communities.
Beyond mining, Heath Goldfields was praised for initiating community support programmes in education, health, sanitation and infrastructure, with plans underway to roll out legacy projects across the area.
However, the Association expressed concern over what it described as “unwarranted interference and negative commentaries” by certain groups allegedly backed by foreign interests, seeking to undermine the company’s operations.
They called for a full-scale investigation into the funding sources of such groups, warning that any disruption could derail the progress made and plunge the community back into hardship.
“We do not need a new investor. The journey so far has been promising, and our natural resources must be managed by Ghanaians for the benefit of Ghanaians,” the group stressed.
The Association, therefore, urged government to provide firm protection for Heath Gold Fields’ investment, emphasising that supporting indigenous companies is central to Ghana’s local content agenda in the mining sector.
Among its recommendations, the group called for swift measures to prevent unlawful interference, sustained government backing for the company, and broader stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term stability.
They also proposed collaboration with small-scale miners under regulated frameworks to expand employment opportunities within the concession.
Reaffirming their confidence in the government’s commitment to localising the mining industry, the Association maintained that Heath Goldfields has come to stay and must be given the necessary support to fully restore the fortunes of Prestea-Bogoso.
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