Bogoso Prestea Mine
The Divisional Chief of Prestea Himan, Nana Nteboa Pra V, has praised Heath Goldfields the operators of Bogoso Prestea Mine for its progress and voiced optimism for the mine’s revival.
He encouraged parties contesting the lease transfer to resolve their claims through the legal system and allow the company to focus on development.
Echoing this sentiment, Managing Director Heath Goldfields Patrick Appiah-Mensah emphasized that Heath Goldfields is committed to a long-term presence, distinguishing it from previous operators.
At a community mining consultative meeting, Managing Director, Patrick Appiah-Mensah outlined a five-year, $205 million Phase One Strategy for Heath Goldfields.
The plan focuses on redeveloping the underground mine and establishing a sulphide processing plant, with a target of producing 285,000 ounces of gold annually.
He stated that the immediate priority is to complete the dewatering of the flooded mine by the first quarter of next year.
This intensive process involves pumping out approximately 10 million liters of water that had accumulated over years of neglect. To date, water levels have already been reduced by 75 feet, and refurbishment work is nearing completion.
Appiah-Mensah also affirmed that all due process was followed in the lease transfer from Future Global Resources (FGR) and Blue Gold FGR.
He noted that the company has successfully defended itself against legal challenges from these former operators, with the courts dismissing all cases. He concluded by emphasizing Heath Goldfields’ commitment to a long-term, sustainable presence, distinguishing it from the previous operators.
“We acquired this lease in November 2024 for a fifteen-year period to develop this mine into a business that benefits the local community and the people of Ghana,” Appiah-Mensah stated.
“While we have been here for just over six months and have not produced a single ounce of gold, the extensive infrastructure development and rehabilitation work and the significant investment made ahead of production demonstrates our commitment and seriousness. We are not here to leave tomorrow; we are here to stay.” he added.
Following a tour of the company’s facilities to observe ongoing maintenance work, Nana Nteboa Pra V, Divisional Chief of Prestea Himan, praised Heath Goldfields’ visible progress and voiced his optimism for the mine’s revival.
Nana Nteboa Pra V
“I believe that, so far, the progress is excellent,” he stated. “In this short period, Heath Goldfields has truly announced its presence and is working hard to revive the mine.
There is hope for us. Looking at what they have already accomplished, I am confident that if they continue to meet the sector’s regulations and satisfy the government’s inspectorate, there is a real future for our community. This is a stark contrast to the failed years now behind us. With Heath, I believe a positive turnaround is possible.” Nana Nteboa Pra stated.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Prestea Huni-Valley, Matthew Ayeh, and the Member of Parliament for Wassa Amenfi East, Nicholas Amankwah, have both pledged their support to ensure the mine’s sustainability for the benefit of everyone in the catchment area.
Mr Ayeh mentioned that, “I’m impressed with what I’m seeing today. Previously, the situation was not good, and there were constant complaints. That’s why I say today feels like a total, triumphant entry for Heath Goldfields.
In the past, the Minister or our Traditional Leaders would call me to report issues, like ‘Heath is taking away our concentrate,’ but when you rushed to the site, you would find no managerial staff to address the concerns. Now, with this Managing Director, we have seen a new direction for the company.” Mathew Ayeh said.
The Member of Parliament for Wassa Amenfi East, Nicholas Amankwah, pledged his support, stating, “We will support them through the proper legal channels. As their Member of Parliament, I will do whatever is necessary to ensure their operations are successful and beneficial for everyone in our community.”
By Ebenezer Atiemo
