Hot SourceIng. Wisdom Edem Gomashie has called on government to proceed with caution following its directive for Heath Goldfields to halt operations at the Bogoso-Prestea Mine.
In a detailed statement issued on Sunday, 6 July, the respected mining consultant praised the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for its decision to issue a Stop Work Notice without resorting to arbitrary lease termination. He commended the Ministry’s decision to grant Heath Goldfields 120 days to address critical safety, operational, and regulatory breaches.
The directive, which took effect on 5 July, requires the company to secure funding, pay outstanding worker salaries, and urgently implement improvements. Heath Goldfields, which took over the lease in November 2024, faces significant challenges in meeting these conditions within the stipulated timeframe.
Edem Gomashie warned that while the Ministry’s approach was measured, deeper structural issues within Ghana’s mining sector remain unresolved. He criticised the investor evaluation processes used in mine takeovers, describing them as lacking transparency and rigour.
He raised concerns about whether the technical advice of the Minerals Commission had been fully considered before awarding the lease, suggesting that political interests may sometimes overshadow sound technical assessments.
“It is not always politically wise to undo decisions of your predecessors without proper due diligence,” Gomashie said. He highlighted that the mine’s previous leaseholder, Future Global Resources (FGR), faced similar financial and operational difficulties and is currently engaged in legal disputes with the state.
“No financial house or investor will confidently commit substantial funds to a project entangled in legal disputes,” he cautioned, urging the government to resolve ongoing cases to provide Heath Goldfields with legal certainty.
Gomashie also warned against speculation that the mine could be transferred to another investor if Heath Goldfields fails to meet its obligations. Such an action, he argued, would prolong the mine’s dormancy and damage Ghana’s reputation as a secure and reliable mining destination.
He further called on the government to prioritise the welfare of workers and local communities, drawing lessons from the successful revival of the Obuasi Mine in 2019.
In his recommendations, Edem Gomashie urged a comprehensive review of the Minerals Commission’s investor assessment procedures and stressed that technical expertise should guide decision-making rather than political interests.
“The Minerals Commission and the executive must find common ground to avoid and mitigate such unfortunate situations,” he said.
He concluded by stressing that restoring the Bogoso-Prestea Mine would require strong state support and a genuine commitment to reform, beyond the efforts of Heath Goldfields alone.
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