The Catchment Area Community Alliance (CACA), representing host communities of the Bogoso–Prestea Mine, has called on government to secure a credible and financially capable investor to manage the mining lease, citing what they describe as serious financial, operational, and environmental failures by current operator Heath Goldfields Limited.
At a press conference, community leaders expressed grave concern over what they say are unmet commitments made by Heath Goldfields during the acquisition of the Bogoso–Prestea Mining Leases.
The statement was signed by several community leaders and representatives, including Karim Salifu, Ho. Shaibu Dimbie, Messiah K.A. Baidoo, Ebenezer Ayiinam, Gershun Bulley, Franklin Abban, Ebenezer Somuah Otchere, and Awal Mohammed.
According to the group, the company secured regulatory approval based on assurances of strong financial backing, access to over $500 million in capital, and the technical capacity to restart and sustainably operate the mine — particularly the capital-intensive Prestea Underground Mine.
However, the communities contend that those commitments have not materialized.
“It is now evident that Heath Goldfields lacks the financial capacity required to operate the Bogoso–Prestea Mining Leases,” the statement said. They pointed to failures to fund critical underground dewatering, ventilation, equipment rehabilitation, and production ramp-up within agreed timelines, resulting in compromised operational readiness.
The group further alleged that key processing plant components and underground infrastructure presented in the company’s Strategic Mine Development Plan as ready for immediate procurement and installation remain outstanding.
They claim this non-delivery amounts to material misrepresentation to regulators.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
Of particular urgency, according to the alliance, is the condition of the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) currently in use.
The group warned that active tailings deposition is taking place in a facility they describe as “effectively full,” posing a direct threat to downstream communities including Dumasi and Bogoso in the event of a dam failure.
They also raised concerns that financial constraints have affected contractors’ ability to adequately raise and stabilize the tailings dam, leading to delayed and insufficient work.
In addition, the communities expressed opposition to proposed blasting activities near residential areas such as Bondaye and Nakaba. Citing Ghana’s Minerals and Mining (Explosives) Regulations, they emphasized that a minimum exclusion distance of 500 metres is required between blasting operations and occupied buildings. They warned that unsafe blasting could expose residents to fly rock, ground vibrations, air blasts, and structural damage.
Allegations of Misrepresentation
The alliance stated that financial projections, equipment schedules, and funding assurances presented to regulators to secure the mining leases were not honored after approval was granted.
They argue that this constitutes a breach of trust and raises serious questions about the integrity of representations made during the acquisition process.
The group also confirmed awareness of a 90-day notice reportedly issued on December 29, 2025, effective January 1, 2026, requiring Heath Goldfields to remedy breaches of the mining leases.
Call for Government Action
While stressing that they do not oppose responsible mining or responsible investors — whether local or foreign — the communities said they reject “empty promises, misrepresentations, and financially incapable entities” managing what they describe as a strategic national asset.
“Our communities have endured repeated cycles of mine failure, job losses, and environmental neglect. We cannot afford another collapse,” the statement read.
The alliance is calling for urgent government intervention to protect jobs, safeguard communities, and ensure that the Bogoso–Prestea Mine is operated by a technically competent and financially sound investor.
