Disgruntled employees of Future Global Resources (FGR) in the Bogoso Prestea region have delivered a firm ultimatum to the government. They are insisting that the authorities take over the management of the mines and transfer the mining rights to a fresh investor.
Meanwhile, the call stemmed from their deep dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a lack of investment and mismanagement of the mine, resulting in compromised worker safety and the non-payment of workers’ Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions.
FGR took over the mining concession in the Prestea-Huni-Valley Municipality from Golden Star Resources in 2020, with the promise of revitalizing the operation. However, three years after the takeover, approximately 500 mine workers and host communities are left disillusioned, as their initial hopes for improvements have faded.
The mine’s underperformance has led to at least two major industrial disputes, prompting local traditional leaders to petition the government about what they consider to be poor management by FGR.
Leaders of the FGR workers, who recently resumed work following a six-day sit-down strike, highlight a shortage of investment and mismanagement as the core issues. Consequently, they are urging the government to step in and take over the mines.
Adding weight to these concerns, a contractor supplying fuel to FGR has revealed that the company owes suppliers for an outstanding period of approximately one year, further supporting the workers’ calls for intervention.
Lack of Transparency in FGR Operations
The Gyaasehene of Prestea Himan, Nana Mutty Ankamah, representing the six paramount chiefs in the area who previously petitioned the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has accused FGR of a lack of transparency in its operations and a failure to deliver the corporate social investments that other mines offer to local communities.
In response to these mounting grievances, Wisdom Cudjoe, the Member of Parliament for Prestea-Huni-Valley, met with the workers upon receiving the petition from the local chiefs and workers. He has pledged to raise the issue of the mines’ indebtedness with the Speaker of the Parliament, in
The Bogoso-Prestea Gold Mine, located in Ghana, is one of the country’s significant gold mining operations. It is situated in the Western Region of Ghana, an area renowned for its rich gold resources. The mine is owned and operated by Golden Star Resources, a Canadian-based gold mining company.
The history of gold mining in the Bogoso-Prestea area dates back to the late 19th century when British and Portuguese prospectors explored the region. Commercial mining began in the early 20th century. The mine is situated within the Ashanti Gold Belt, a geological formation known for its rich gold deposits. The ore bodies at Bogoso-Prestea are primarily found in shear zones and quartz vein structures.
The mine consists of two main deposits, the Bogoso and Prestea deposits. These deposits are mined using both underground and open-pit mining methods. The processing of ore is carried out at the Bogoso processing plant, which includes milling, gravity concentration, and flotation to extract the gold.
Over the years, the Bogoso-Prestea Mine has been a significant contributor to Ghana’s gold production. It has produced varying amounts of gold, with production levels influenced by factors such as ore grades, processing techniques, and market conditions.
Meanwhile, like many mining operations, the Bogoso-Prestea Mine has faced various challenges, including fluctuations in gold prices, environmental concerns, and community relations. Golden Star Resources has implemented sustainability and responsible mining practices to address these challenges.
Mining operations in Ghana often require strong community engagement. Golden Star Resources has taken steps to engage with local communities, providing employment opportunities, investing in social infrastructure, and supporting community development initiatives.
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