The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress has commended Heath Goldfields Ltd, the current leaseholder of the Bogoso-Prestea Gold Mine, for settling GH¢80 million in outstanding salaries owed to workers of the Bogoso and Prestea mines.

This payment fulfils a key condition tied to the company’s lease acquisition. The debt, inherited from the former leaseholder, had remained unsettled until Heath Goldfields Ltd’s takeover.

Speaking to Citi News on Monday, July 28, the union’s General Secretary, Abdul-Moomin Gbana, lauded Heath Goldfields for honouring this commitment despite months of legal challenges that sought to derail the company’s investment efforts.

“The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union welcomes this bold move by Heath Goldfields Ltd, to settle the legacy debt, despite several months of legal tussle orchestrated to frustrate the current leaseholder’s investment plans for the Bogoso-Prestea mines without success”. He said.

He reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to working closely with the new management to clear any remaining liabilities and help transform the mine.

“We pledge our fullest support and commitment to working cooperatively and collaboratively with the new Management team of Heath Goldfields Ltd, to settle the remaining indebtedness and ultimately transform the Bogoso-Prestea Mine into a world-class asset.

He further appealed to the government to support the ongoing recovery efforts under the new management.

“We call on the government through the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the Regulatory Agencies especially, the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, our revered chiefs and people of the communities of Bogoso and Prestea and, all well-meaning Ghanaians to support the turnaround efforts of the Bogoso-Presta Mines under the management of Heath Goldfields Ltd,” he said.