Minerals Commission Halts Heath Goldfields Operations at Bogoso-Prestea Over Regulatory Violations

The Minerals Commission has ordered Heath Goldfields Limited to cease operations at Bogoso-Prestea Mine immediately. This is due to numerous violations of health, safety, and technical standards, as well as critical administrative failures, the Commission says.

The directive was signed by the Chief Inspector of Mines under Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety, and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182). The company has been granted 45 days to rectify the violations and perform essential remedial works outlined in the enforcement notice.

“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,” stated Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, Director of Communications at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

The Bogoso-Prestea concession was formally transferred to Heath Goldfields in November 2024 following a technical and financial vetting process. The company presented a four-phase Strategic Mine Development Plan, spanning Q1 2025 to Q4 2039, promising to revitalise one of Ghana’s legacy gold operations.

However, less than a year into its mandate, inspections by the Minerals Commission uncovered a worrying lack of progress:

No visible activity was recorded on-site as of May 16, 2025

Key infrastructure such as the Process Water Treatment Plant and Tailings Storage Facility were in poor condition

Illegal mining was rampant across large portions of the concession

Unapproved transportation of gold-bearing concentrates, in breach of lease Clause 7, was reported

Salaries remained unpaid, prompting staff to petition government authorities

These findings marked a dramatic departure from the company’s initial commitments and raised alarms about operational integrity and safety.

Minister Steps In, Company Put on Watch

Following a formal petition by distressed workers, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, visited the site on May 23, 2025. Subsequent investigations confirmed Heath Goldfields was grappling with severe operational and financial distress.

In response, the Minister directed the Commission to issue statutory notices. The company has now been served with a 120-day deadline under Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 and Clause 27(b) of its lease to fully address all breaches or risk termination of its mining license.

Government Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance for Non-Compliance

“This action underscores our commitment to upholding regulatory standards and protecting Ghana’s mineral resources,” the Ministry affirmed.

The move signals a stronger regulatory stance by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, as it seeks to reinforce investor confidence, ensure responsible mining, and protect workers’ welfare.

Industry observers say the Heath Goldfields case is a warning to operators who fail to honour technical and social obligations in Ghana’s mining landscape. The next 120 days will determine whether the company can salvage its concession or lose it entirely.

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