By: Ashiadey Dotse
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has issued a “Stop Work Notice” to Heath Goldfields, operators of the Bogoso-Prestea mine, due to poor operations and regulatory breaches.
The directive, which took effect on June 24, 2025, came after a working visit by the Minister and a detailed inspection by the Minerals Commission. The Chief Inspector of Mines found that the company had failed to meet essential safety and operational standards under Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety, and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182).
The company has been given 45 days from the date of the directive to fix all violations and carry out only essential services, as instructed by the Chief Inspector.
According to the Ministry, the decision was based on the company’s poor compliance with operational protocols, safety rules, and administrative procedures. Though Heath Goldfields was approved in November 2024 to take over the mine after a successful technical and financial review, recent inspections revealed alarming deterioration.
A report from the Minerals Commission on May 16, 2025, showed that no activity was happening at the mine. The land and infrastructure had worsened, the Tailings Storage Facility was in poor shape, and the Process Water Treatment Plant was not functioning. There were also reports of illegal mining in parts of the company’s concession.
Additionally, the company failed to follow its own Strategic Mine Development Plan and breached Clause 7 of its mining lease by transporting gold-bearing materials without the necessary approvals from the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the Minerals Commission.
Concerns were also raised by some workers, who petitioned the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, over poor conditions and management. This led the Minister to visit the mine personally on May 23, 2025.
After the visit and further investigations, it was confirmed that Heath Goldfields is facing serious operational and financial challenges, including unpaid salaries.
As a result, the Sector Minister has directed the Minerals Commission to issue official notices to the company to comply with the rules. Under Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 and Clause 27(b) of the Mining Lease Agreement, the company now has 120 days to fix all issues. If it fails, its mining license will be revoked.
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