By Felix Cofie
The Minerals Commission has issued a directive ordering Heath Goldfields Limited to immediately cease all mining activities at the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, citing serious regulatory breaches and operational failures.
The order, dated June 24, 2025, was issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines under Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety, and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182). It follows a comprehensive review of the company’s operations, safety protocols, and administrative compliance.
In a statement signed by Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, Director of Communications at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry confirmed that Heath Goldfields has been given 45 days to address all breaches and carry out essential corrective measures as stipulated by the Minerals Commission.
“This cautionary notice follows the company’s unsatisfactory operations, as determined by a robust and thorough review of its operational protocols, regulatory compliance, and general administrative procedures, among other factors,” the statement said.Background and Breaches
Heath Goldfields was granted clearance to acquire the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases on November 13, 2024, following a satisfactory technical and financial review. The company had submitted a revised Strategic Mine Development Plan with a four-phase implementation roadmap, spanning from Q1 2025 to Q4 2039.
However, inspections conducted by the Minerals Commission as of May 16, 2025, revealed that no work had commenced at the site. The land and plant were reportedly in a deteriorated condition, and the company had defaulted on several key commitments outlined in Section 1.18 of its development plan.
Additional violations include:
• A dilapidated Tailings Storage Facility, with no engineering contractors on site.
• A non-operational Process Water Treatment Plant.
• Evidence of illegal mining activities on parts of the company’s concession.
• Unauthorized transportation of gold-bearing concentrates without prior approval from the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the Minerals Commission, in breach of Clause 7 of the mining lease.
The situation further escalated when a group of concerned workers petitioned the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), over unpaid salaries and poor working conditions. The Minister visited the site on May 23, 2025, and ordered a post-inspection investigation.
The findings confirmed that Heath Goldfields is facing severe operational and financial difficulties, including delayed salary payments and general non-compliance with the mining lease conditions.
Next Steps and Possible License Revocation
In response, the Minister instructed the Minerals Commission to initiate formal regulatory proceedings in accordance with the law. In addition to the 45-day operational suspension, Heath Goldfields has been granted a 120-day remediation period under Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 and Clause 27(b) of the Mining Lease Agreement to fully comply.
Failure to rectify the violations within the stipulated time frame could result in the revocation of the company’s mining license.
This decisive action, the Ministry says, reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding mining regulations, safeguarding worker welfare, and ensuring responsible management of Ghana’s mineral resources.
