W/R Minister averts potential labour unrest at Prestea

Minister Nelson Addresses Workers' Concerns

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has intervened to prevent conflict. This involves old workers of Bogoso Prestea Mines and Heat Goldfields.

Heat Goldfields became the new owner after acquiring the mining lease in November 2024. The Minister was joined by MP Wisdom Cudjoe and MCE Matthew Ayeh. They held an emergency meeting with Heat Goldfields management in Sekondi.

After calming the workers, the Minister addressed their concerns. He promised government support for a lasting solution. “The workers’ plight is dire,” he stated. Many have gone a year without pay, and mine conditions are worsening.

He noted that equipment is rusting and urgent action is needed. As Regional Minister, he will forward their concerns to relevant authorities.

Workers demanded an immediate termination of Heat Goldfields’ mining lease. They cited contractual breaches and unpaid salaries since December 13, 2024. Allegations include tampering with critical equipment and removing gold concentrates.

The mining lease transferred from Future Global Resources (FGR) to Heat Goldfields appears abandoned now. The yard is overgrown with weeds, and only 30 percent of workers received basic salaries since December 2024.

Old workers claim the new owners have not met with them formally since taking over. They urge the government to terminate Heat Goldfields’ lease for a better investor.

One worker expressed frustration about Heat Goldfields not engaging them in operations. “We’re questioning their mining lease’s validity due to secrecy,” they said.

Richard Amoah Baidoo, Safety Officer at Bogoso Prestea Mines, urged clarity on ownership of the mine lease. He wants outstanding debts settled for peace in the community.

Heat Goldfields’ Chief Administrator, Kwabena Ohene Obeng, dismissed these allegations as stemming from court injunctions. “We’ve faced lawsuits hindering our work since taking over,” he explained.

He acknowledged that while refurbishment is needed, plans are underway to address issues. He stated that legal setbacks have been navigated successfully.

Baidoo questioned why Heat Goldfields operated despite claiming injunctions were in place. “An injunction would bar you from activities like sacking employees,” he argued.

Obeng clarified that any materials taken were for testing purposes only. “We needed to understand their composition before refurbishing,” he said.

This testing was done to ensure safety when handling valuable materials during refurbishment.