The Chronicle has learned from workers, contractors and union representatives that Heath Goldfields, the company currently managing the Bogoso-Prestea gold mine, that they have not fully been paid their wages and severance packages. The workers are also not happy with what they see as slow progress in reviving the historic mine.
Following months of demonstrations by the “Concerned Workers” coalition, Heath Goldfields made partial salary payments for February and March 2025.
The company explained that Future Global Resources (FGR), which managed the mine until September 2024, had not terminated contracts until its lease was revoked, creating complications in settlements.
Despite these explanations, workers told The Chronicle that only arrears from April to September 2025 have been cleared, leaving managers unpaid and key entitlements such as provident funds and severance packages outstanding.
Union leaders recounted to The Chronicle that Heath management admitted in a recent meeting with the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union that it lacked sufficient funds to meet the full obligations.
A proposed payment plan was presented, but was rejected by workers, who accused the company of showing “bad faith.”
Workers alleged that only a handful of junior staff with smaller provident balances had been settled, while the majority of employees, particularly senior staff, are still waiting.
“This is creating frustration among the workforce. People have families to take care of, and they cannot continue to live on promises,” one union representative said.
Contractors and suppliers are also struggling. Locum contractors, who claim they are owed around US$4 million told The Chronicle that only US$1 million has so far been paid.
They said they have not received any clear roadmap from management about when the outstanding amounts will be settled.
They told The Chronicle that, while journalists invited to tour the mine were shown tanks and processing areas, visible progress on refurbishment was limited.
“If full refurbishment were underway, we would expect to see preparatory works, such as sandblasting and installation of key components. What we saw suggested a slower process than expected,” one technical observer noted.
Meanwhile, underground operations are being hampered by flooding. Workers explained that water levels have risen significantly, with several levels submerged and critical pumping equipment requiring repair.
Heath Goldfields recently brought in a 90kw pump to supplement existing equipment, but experts say this remains inadequate for the scale of the challenge.
The tailings storage facility (TSF) is another area of concern. According to workers, Heath continues to rely on older pumps and equipment at the TSF, while heavy rains and growing vegetation could undermine the embankments if urgent rehabilitation is not carried out. Communities downstream have voiced anxiety about potential risks should the facility’s integrity be compromised.
The financial strain has also led to job losses. Workers told The Chronicle that staff, who had been retained for care and maintenance were recently laid off, leaving a workforce of just about 40 people, barely enough to handle essential operations.
The current controversy must be viewed against the backdrop of Bogoso-Prestea’s difficult history.
FGR, which acquired the mine in 2020, was accused of chronic underinvestment, unpaid wages and mounting debts, leading to the eventual revocation of its lease in 2024.
Despite its shortcomings, FGR continued underground operations and paid staff until it left. Heath Goldfields, which took over afterward, has yet to produce gold since assuming control.
By contrast, Blue Gold Limited, which acquired the asset after FGR, has announced significant investment plans and secured funding to expand underground mining.
Sources close to the sector told The Chronicle that Blue Gold has already resumed some mining operations, presenting a sharp contrast with Heath’s current difficulties.
For now, the uncertainty at Bogoso-Prestea continues. Workers remain restless over unpaid entitlements, contractors are demanding clearer payment schedules and industry insiders warn that without firm financial backing and visible technical progress, the mine’s revival will remain in doubt.
“Workers are not interested in promises or public relations. We simply want our wages, our severance packages, and real work to start on the mine.
“Until then, confidence in Heath Goldfields will remain very low,” a mineworkers’ union activist told The Chronicle.
