The National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Prestea-Huni Valley Constituency, Honourable Robert Wisdom Cudjoe has expressed deep disappointment in the government’s failure to enforce Conditional Approval Directives for Future Global Resources (FGR) – Bogoso Prestea Mine.
In a strongly worded statement, Honorable Robert Wisdom Cudjoe chastised the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) and the Minerals Commission of Ghana for their apparent lack of commitment, dishonesty, and inadequate attention to the revitalization of the Future Global Resources (FGR) – Bogoso Prestea Mine.
“The Ministry and the Minerals Commission have both failed to honour the myriad promises made to revitalize the Future Global Resources (FGR) – Bogoso Prestea mine”.
Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, Member of Parliament, Prestea-Huni Valley Constituency
The opposition party’s lawmaker recounted that the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Honorable Samuel A. Jinapor in a press release dated April 25, 2024, addressed over three hundred members of the Ghana Mine Workers Union of TUC who gathered at the Ministry to protest against FGR’s inability to invest in and operate the Bogoso-Prestea Mine.
He noted that the Minister’s extensive eighteen-paragraph statement granted FGR “Conditional Approval” to restructure the company and raise the necessary capital within a strict deadline.
Among several conditions, Honorable Robert Cudjoe stated that Future Global Resources (FGR) – Bogoso Prestea Mine was given one hundred and twenty (120) days to raise capital, revamp the mine, and ensure full operational capacity effective April 17, 2024.
He also stated that Future Global Resources (FGR) – Bogoso Prestea Mine was required to begin the payment of all outstanding salaries to workers within two weeks and complete these payments by May 30, 2024.
Honourable Robert Cudjoe further noted that Future Global Resources (FGR) – Bogoso Prestea Mine was required to submit evidence of financial resources available to pay creditors and operate the mine within 120 days, ensuring full operational capacity before the deadline.
Future Global Resources’ Failure to Meet MLNR’s Conditions
Despite these directives, Hon. Cudjoe emphasized that Future Global Resources (FGR) – Bogoso Prestea Mine has failed to meet several conditions, including the failure to provide financial resources to pay creditors.
Among other failures, Honorable Cudjoe indicated that the Future Global Resources (FGR) – Bogoso Prestea Mine has failed to pay all outstanding salary arrears of its workers by the stipulated deadline of May 30, 2024, in addition to its inability to inject $150 million into the company to settle debts.
This financial incapacity according to the lawmaker has resulted in halted underground maintenance work due to flooding.
Additionally, Honorable Cudjoe stated that only junior staff and permanent workers have received one month’s salary arrears, showcasing a lack of commitment to meeting the set obligations.
“Paragraph 12 of the minister’s statement clearly outlined that non-compliance would result in the revocation of conditional approval and the termination of FGR’s mining leases. Despite these clear consequences, no action has been taken by the MLNR to terminate FGR’s mining leases, leading to a perceived display of ineptitude that threatens the mine’s viability, the economy of Prestea-Bogoso, and the livelihoods of its inhabitants”.
Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, Member of Parliament, Prestea-Huni Valley Constituency
Honorable Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, in a passionate call to action, urged the government to cancel FGR’s mining leases to make way for other investors capable of investing in the mine.
He demanded swift action from the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission to protect the incomes and livelihoods of over 1,500 workers and their families, as well as to sustain the domestic economy of the Bogoso-Prestea communities from impending collapse.
He further called on his constituents to join him and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the fight for the development, progress, and collective good of the constituency.
READ ALSO: UK, US And Canada Accuse Russia Of Interfering In Moldovan Elections
