The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has ordered an immediate suspension of all mining activities by Heath Goldfields at the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, citing serious operational, regulatory, and financial breaches.
The directive, effective June 24, 2025, was issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines under the authority of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety, and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182), following a damning inspection report by the Minerals Commission.
The ministry in a statement noted that the decisive move follows a working visit to the site by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, on May 23, 2025, where he engaged with distressed workers and personally inspected the mine’s facilities.
According to the ministry, a subsequent review revealed an alarming deterioration in both physical infrastructure and management protocols.
“For clarity, the Minerals Commission had endorsed an earlier proposal from Heath Goldfields on November 13, 2024, granting the company clearance to acquire the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases after a satisfactory technical and financial review.
“The bid was accompanied by a revised Strategic Mine Development Plan, outlining a Four-Phase Implementation Timeline to revitalise and invest in the mine, from Q1 2025 (Site Preparation and Infrastructure Development) to Q4 2039 (Reclamation and Mine Closure).
Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia
However, according to the ministry, despite the formal clearance to acquire the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases in November 2024 after a satisfactory technical and financial review, Heath Goldfields had failed to meet key milestones outlined in its revised Strategic Mine Development Plan.
According to the ministry, inspections conducted on May 16, 2025, uncovered multiple violations, including the revelation that the Tailings Storage Facility was found to be in disrepair, the Process Water Treatment Plant was non-functional, and there was a complete absence of contractors on site.
Widespread Illegal Mining Operations
More troubling was the discovery of widespread illegal mining operations within areas supposedly under the company’s concession — a clear indication of lax oversight and ineffective site management.
“Furthermore, the company defaulted on its contractual obligations under Section 1.18 of its revised Strategic Mine Development Plan. It also transported gold-bearing concentrates without prior written approval from the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the Minerals Commission, violating Clause 7 of the mining leases”.
Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia
Compounding these technical and operational violations were grave financial concerns, such as post-inspection investigations, which confirmed that the company is facing deep-seated financial difficulties, including the non-payment of staff salaries.
According to the ministry, these issues were first brought to the attention of the Minister through a formal petition by a group of concerned workers.
Reacting to the findings, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah directed the Minerals Commission to enforce immediate regulatory sanctions against Heath Goldfields.
Stop Work Notice
The company has now been served with a 45-day “Stop Work” notice to halt all operations and focus solely on carrying out essential services and rectifying the listed breaches.
In accordance with Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 and Clause 27(b) of the Mining Lease Agreement, an additional 120-day remediation window has been granted.
During this period, Heath Goldfields is urged to remedy all infractions or risk having its mining license permanently revoked.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources emphasized that this action is not only a matter of regulatory enforcement but also a necessary step to safeguard the environment, restore proper management at the mine, and protect workers’ rights.
According to the Ministry’s Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, the decision sends a clear message to all mining operators that the laws of Ghana must be respected.
The statement stressed that the Minerals Commission and the Ministry will not hesitate to take punitive actions against any company that endangers lives, mismanages resources, or breaches contractual obligations.
The decision also aligns with the government’s broader agenda to sanitise the mining sector, promote sustainable practices, and uphold the dignity of mine workers.
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