The Minerals Commission has appointed a six-member caretaker team to work alongside it’s regional manager on the operations of FGR Bogoso and Prestea mines. This follows the termination of the company’s mining leases.
The government announced the termination on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, citing findings from reports by the Minerals Commission and a Ministerial Committee that had reviewed the company’s activities.
The decision followed extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor while announcing the termination, explained that the previous operators had been warned in August 2023 for multiple violations concerning their mining operations.
Despite being advised by the Minerals Commission to address these issues, the company failed to comply.
However, Blue Gold Bogoso Prestea Limited, which claims to be the new operator of the mines, has challenged the government’s decision, stating that its operations are legitimate and plans to contest the termination notice.
Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, in a statement, confirmed that the caretaker team will “immediately oversee the day-to-day operations of the mine.”
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW
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 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
Mr. Emmanuel Dadzie
Mr. Abdul Malik Nuhu Billa
Mr. Samuel Mireku
REPRESENTATIVES OF WORKERS UNION
Mr. Mac Donald Kitsin-Hytey
Mr. Enoch Kelly Kwofie
Mr. Ben Bright Caiquo
Please, further take note that the Military shall remain at the mine site to secure the asserts 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.