A mining Consultant, Ing Wisdom Edem Gomashie has called on the Government of Ghana to adopt a cautious, reform-driven approach in handling the ongoing issues surrounding the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, currently operated by Heath Goldfields.
The Minerals Commission in an order dated June 24, 2025 under Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety, and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182), issued a Stop Work Notice to Heath Goldfields, granting the company 120 days to address financial and operational shortcomings effective July 5, 2025.
However, in a press statement issued on July 6, 2025, Ing Wisdom Edem Gomashie, outlined key recommendations for the consideration of government to revive the mine and protect the country’s investment climate amid escalating legal tensions and operational setbacks.
Whiles commending the ministry for avoiding taking an arbitrary decision, Ing Gomashie cautioned against external pressures that could derail a lawful and transparent resolution.
He cautioned particularly against reassigning the mine to another investor, noting this could fuel perceptions of state capture and entrench the site’s inactiveness.
Key among his recommendations is a call on government adherence to its own 120-day remediation window granted to Heath Goldfields, and closely monitor the company’s efforts to raise funds and resume full operations, similar to the successful revival of the Obuasi Mine in 2019.
Ing Gomashie also urged the need for the state to urgently address pending lawsuits filed by previous leaseholder, Future Global Resources (FGR) to provide legal certainty for current and future investors.
He called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to audit the Minerals Commission’s processes for evaluating companies involved in mine takeovers to ensure that they meet technical and financial standards.
The concerned Mining Consultant proposed adherence to expert advice and adopt merit-based approach decisions on mine mergers and acquisitions rooted on technical competence rather than political patronage.
“These steps are critical to restoring confidence in Ghana’s mining sector, safeguarding worker welfare, and avoiding the reputational damage that poorly handled mine transitions can cause,” Ing Gomashie stated.
Specifically on the legal disputes, the statement noted the unresolved issue with FGR cast a shadow over Heath Goldfields’ operations since “no financial institution will confidently invest in a mine embroiled in legal uncertainty,” it stated.
The statement further questioned the depth investor vetting processes and pointed to systemic issues where technically weaker but politically connected firms are favored in lease allocations.
Ing Gomashie is urging both the government of Ghana and Heath Goldfields to adopt a win-win approach in reviving the mine in a manner that preserves investor confidence and social stability.
“The world is watching. Let’s show that Ghana upholds the rule of law, values transparency, and prioritizes the welfare of its people,” he concluded.
Heath Goldfields, acquired the lease in November 2024, taking over from FGR after the latter’s lease was revoked for failure to meet financial obligations.
FGR has since sued the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Minerals Commission, seeking redress through multiple legal avenues including CHRAJ and the courts.
By: Christian Kpesese
