The Herald has acquired a contentious letter approving the handover of Bogoso Prestea Mines from the British-owned FGR Bogoso Prestea Mines to Heath Goldfields Limited, a Ghanaian entity with Turkish collaborators.

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Dated November 12, 2024, and directed to the Minerals Commission CEO, Martin Ayisi, the letter has sparked legal disputes, political friction, and critical inquiries regarding the mining expertise and operational history of Heath Goldfields Ltd.The Minister of Lands, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, is transferring the mines to a firm that was established just this February.Mr.

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Jinapor’s directive states: “Given the technical and financial capacity of Heath Goldfields Ltd, and on your advice and recommendation, approval is hereby given for the grant of the Prestea Bogoso Mine to Heath Goldfields Ltd, subject to compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and its Regulations, as well as the payment of appropriate fees.

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”This move occurs despite FGR Bogoso Prestea Mines issuing a notice of dispute to the government, the Minerals Commission, and other stakeholders, hinting at potential legal battles both locally and internationally.The Herald's investigations uncover a larger trend of questionable decisions in Ghana's mining sector, affecting both Bogoso Prestea Mines and Newmont’s Akyem Mines.

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Sources claim irregularities, including alleged financial incentives, which critics warn could lead to judgment debts and tarnish Ghana’s global image.With an estimated value of $40 million, Bogoso Prestea Mines is being handed over to Heath Goldfields Ltd, a Ghanaian company with a declared capital of only GHC10,000. Skeptics have described the company as a “shell entity” lacking any mining credentials.

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The transfer is said to be part of a $20 million arrangement involving Turkish investors, with allegations of payments to influential officials.At the same time, Newmont’s Akyem Mine is reportedly being positioned for sale to a Chinese firm for over $1 billion. However, the deal is yet to receive final approval, potentially requiring a nod from President Akufo-Addo.

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The Concerned Workers’ Union of Bogoso Prestea Mines has criticized the government’s handling of the situation, accusing union leaders of pursuing personal benefits at the expense of the community's well-being.“Our leaders prioritize personal gain over the collective well-being of workers and the community,” the group stated, urging FGR/Blue Gold to collaborate with employees to restore operations.

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FGR Bogoso Prestea Mines, in its defence, has rejected allegations of operational breaches cited by the Ministry, stating that it has been compliant and plans to contest the lease termination.With less than three weeks to the 2024 general elections, these mining controversies have heightened scrutiny on the government.

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Parliament is expected to review the deals, but time constraints and political dynamics raise uncertainties about their approval.A new administration in January 2025 could face the dilemma of endorsing or revoking these contentious agreements, potentially reopening negotiations to align with legal standards and best practices.

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