Operations by Heath Goldfields at the Bogoso-Prestea mine have been suspended following a directive from the Chief Inspector of Mines at the Minerals Commission, Richard Kofi Adjei, due to significant safety and compliance failures.

“This decision was necessary after a comprehensive review of the company’s operational protocols, regulatory compliance, and administrative practices revealed major deficiencies,” the Chief Inspector stated.

The directive, which took effect on June 24, 2025, was issued after a working visit by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and a subsequent inspection by officials of the Minerals Commission.

Despite being granted clearance to acquire the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases on November 13, 2024, after a satisfactory technical and financial assessment, Heath Goldfields failed to follow through on its proposed Strategic Mine Development Plan.

The four-phase plan was expected to guide investment and rejuvenation of the mine over a 15-year period, starting in Q1 2025 and ending in Q4 2039.

However, a follow-up inspection on May 16, found no signs of development on-site. Instead, the inspection revealed deteriorated infrastructure, a non-functional Process Water Treatment Plant, and a Tailings Storage Facility in poor condition.

More alarmingly, the site had become infiltrated by illegal miners, while no contractors were present to carry out works.

Officials also noted that the company had transported gold-bearing concentrates without the prior written approval of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the Minerals Commission, breaching Clause 7 of its lease agreement.

In a statement, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources confirmed that the company had defaulted on its obligations under Section 1.18 of the revised Strategic Mine Development Plan.

“These are not just technical lapses—they are violations that endanger the safety of workers, compromise the environment, and breach the trust the state placed in the company to manage a key national resource.”

The order, backed by Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety, and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182), mandates that the company cease all mining activities at the site immediately.

The Minerals Commission has provided the company a 45-day ultimatum to address the critical safety and environmental issues and carry out specific remedial actions outlined by the Chief Inspector.

Additionally, under Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 and Clause 27(b) of the mining lease, Heath Goldfields has 120 days to rectify all regulatory breaches or risk the complete termination of its license.

The Minerals Commission is expected to conduct follow-up assessments to monitor compliance during the remediation period.

The shutdown follows a petition from some workers who raised concerns about unpaid salaries and deteriorating working conditions. In response, the Lands Minister visited the site on May 23, to assess the situation firsthand.

Post-inspection findings confirmed that the company is grappling with severe operational and financial challenges.

Meanwhile, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has assured of the government’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in the mining sector. “We will not allow companies to compromise safety or shirk their contractual responsibilities,” the Minister emphasized.