More than a year after Heath Goldfields Ltd. — a company backed by the Government of Ghana — controversially took over the Bogoso-Prestea Mine from Blue Gold Bogoso Prestea Limited, the successor to Future Global Resources (FGR), the situation has spiralled into one of the most contentious labour and investment disputes in Ghana’s mining sector.
Over 400 dismissed workers have accused Heath Goldfields — owned by former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffuor — of deceit, discrimination, and violation of labour rights.
Workers allege deception and neglect
At a press conference, the aggrieved workers, led by Gabriel Madobi Oklettey, convener of the former staff, complained of unpaid entitlements, poor treatment, and financial hardship affecting hundreds of families.
The mine, once hailed as a potential turnaround project, has instead become a symbol of mistrust, alleged government complicity, and investor unease about Ghana’s mining oversight.
After taking over the mine, Heath Goldfields dismissed more than 400 employees, citing “operational restructuring” and the need to place the site under “care and maintenance.” The workers say they accepted the decision in good faith, expecting the company to pay salary arrears, severance, bonuses, and provident fund contributions.
However, more than a year later, they claim only partial payments have been made.
“Beyond these limited payments, Heath Goldfields has failed to meet its full obligations,” the workers said in a petition, alleging that compensation was selectively paid to those “aligned with certain union interests.”
Many of the affected workers say the company’s conduct has plunged families into hardship and eroded trust in Ghana’s labour justice system.
Government intervention and unfulfilled promises
Following months of protests, the workers petitioned the MP for Prestea Huni Valley, the Western Regional Minister, and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
In May 2025, the Lands Minister visited the mine and ordered Heath Goldfields to begin payments within 120 days. Though a few workers received partial settlements, most say the company has failed to comply.
A subsequent memorandum dated August 27, 2025, pledged that all provident fund and benefit payments would be completed by September, but by the end of October, fewer than half had been paid. A later memo extended the deadline to December 2025, which workers say reflects “bad faith and financial incapacity.”
The petition further accuses the company of violating Section 18 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) by failing to settle severance pay, bonuses, and accrued leave benefits after termination.
Allegations of mismanagement and illegal operations
Beyond labour issues, the petitioners allege regulatory breaches, including the unauthorized movement of gold-bearing materials from the site to undisclosed locations. They claim Heath Goldfields has avoided transparent engagement with workers, regulators, and community leaders.
The petition also states that the company was granted the Bogoso-Prestea mining lease on condition that it would clear all outstanding debts and liabilities inherited from Golden Star Resources — a condition it has allegedly ignored.
“This failure undermines the credibility of the entire lease transfer and raises questions about the due diligence process,” the petition added.
Workers demand accountability
The former workers are now urging the Lands Ministry, the Minerals Commission, and other regulators to compel Heath Goldfields to pay all outstanding entitlements and to conduct a comprehensive financial and operational audit of the company’s capacity to manage the mine responsibly.
Controversial lease transfer
The transfer of the Bogoso-Prestea lease to Heath Goldfields has been fraught with controversy, with accusations that the Lands Ministry, Minerals Commission, and the company colluded to unlawfully dispossess FGR/Blue Gold of its rights.
Analysts say the timeline suggests a coordinated effort:
Heath Goldfields was incorporated on February 6, 2024, with a stated capital of GH₵10,000.
It applied for the mining lease just one week later, while FGR still legally held it.
By November 12, 2024, the Ministry had approved the reassignment.
A letter dated November 20 suspended the reassignment — yet, four days later, Heath Goldfields had already mobilized to the site, seizing assets, vehicles, and gold stocks belonging to FGR.
Experts note that this breached Act 703, as the reassignment lacked parliamentary ratification, EPA approval, and Mine Inspectorate certification. One mining expert described the episode as “an officially sanctioned galamsey.”
FGR’s exit and the $1 billion arbitration claim
Future Global Resources (FGR) purchased the Bogoso-Prestea Mine from Golden Star Resources in October 2020, inheriting a $60 million debt. Despite efforts to recapitalize operations and resolve labour issues, mounting challenges led the government to revoke its lease in 2024.
FGR’s successor, Blue Gold Bogoso Prestea Limited, secured new financing — including a $150 million bond on Nasdaq and an $80 million facility — but before operations could resume, the lease was abruptly terminated and backdated.
Blue Gold has since filed for international arbitration, seeking $1 billion in damages for what it calls “state-enabled expropriation.” The company says it remains financially capable and has offered to withdraw its claim if its lease is restored.
Meanwhile, Heath Goldfields continues to occupy and operate the mine, allegedly without full statutory permits from the EPA, Water Resources Commission, or Mine Inspectorate.
