Caretaker team appointed to oversee operations of Bogoso and Prestea mines

The Minerals Commission has appointed a six-member caretaker team to assist the regional manager in overseeing operations at the FGR Bogoso and Prestea mines following the revocation of the company’s mining leases.

This decision was made public on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, after the government reviewed reports submitted by the Minerals Commission and a Ministerial Committee tasked with evaluating the company’s compliance with mining regulations.

Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor revealed that prior warnings had been issued to the former operators in August 2023 due to multiple regulatory violations. Despite receiving several directives from the Minerals Commission to rectify these issues, the company failed to take corrective action.

However, Blue Gold Bogoso Prestea Limited, which claims to be the new operator of the mines, is disputing the government’s decision. The company maintains that its operations are in line with the law and has expressed its intention to challenge the termination notice in court.

Below is the full notice.

RE: NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF MINING LEASES

The above subject matter refers.

Please take note that following the termination of the mining leases of FGR Bogoso Prestea Limited, the Mineral Rights covering the Bogoso-Prestea Mine have been reversed to the State.

Consequently, the Minerals Commission which is responsible for the regulation of the mining industry as well as the management and utilization of the mineral resources of the state is now responsible for managing the Bogoso-Prestea Mine until a new investor is found.

Therefore, you are hereby appointed to oversee the day-to-day affairs of the mine site, effective immediately.

You will be assisted by the following senior officers and representatives of the workers union of the mine:

SENIOR OFFICERS

1. Mr. Emmanuel Dadzie
2. Mr. Abdul Malik Nuhu Billa
3. Mr. Samuel Mireku

REPRESENTATIVES OF WORKERS UNION

1. Mr. Mac Donald Kitsin-Hytey
2. Mr. Enoch Kelly Kwofie
3. Mr. Ben Bright Caiquo

Please, further take note that the Military shall remain at the mine site to secure the assets of the mine.

The head of the military shall work with you and the above-named senior officers and representatives of the workers union of the mine to provide security at the mine.