By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Bogoso
Past and present workers of Bogoso-Prestea Mine have commended Heath Goldfields Limited for paying US$22million to settle outstanding entitlements owed to former workers of the mine.
Branch Secretary, Raymond Bimpong Boateng, said the payments mark a major milestone in restoring trust and stability at the mine following years of uncertainty.
“We are very happy that our trust was not misplaced. Management, especially the Managing Director, has honoured all the promises made to former workers,” he said at a workers’ appreciation event.
He explained that the payments cover severance, unpaid salaries, provident fund and other benefits inherited from the previous operator, Future Global Resources (FGR).
According to him, the company had earlier paid about US$9.5million to clear arrears, including provident fund contributions and eight months’ salary owed to workers.
Mr. Boateng noted that the mine was previously in a distressed state, but the situation has improved significantly, with refurbishment works carried out at the plant and across the operational area.
“A year ago, the place was bushy, with corroded equipment and no activity. Today, the site is rehabilitated, well-lit and operational,” he said.
The revival of the mine he noted has also triggered renewed economic activity in surrounding communities, he added.
Patrick Appiah Mensah, Managing Director of Heath Goldfields, explained that the company’s intervention was guided by a commitment to honour all legacy obligations owed to workers.
“We committed to settling all the debts we inherited from the previous operator and agreed on a roadmap with the union. Today, we have fulfilled those commitments,” he said.
He indicated that about 98 percent of affected workers have received their payments, with the remaining beneficiaries expected to complete documentation to access their entitlements.
Mr. Mensah noted that the company is focused on rebuilding the mine into a sustainable operation, with worker welfare as a key priority.
“In line with our purpose to enrich lives through sustainable mining, we will continue to prioritise our workers because they are our greatest asset,” he said.
He added that expansion plans are underway to increase production capacity and create more jobs in the area.
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