Coalition of Concerned Citizens Petition Presidency over Heath Goldfields’ Acquisition of Bogoso–Prestea Mine
The Coalition of Concerned Citizens has petitioned the Presidency calling for an independent investigation into the acquisition and operation of the Bogoso–Prestea Mine by Heath Goldfields Limited, citing concerns over ownership structure, financial capacity, regulatory compliance, and worker welfare.
The petition, addressed to President John Dramani Mahama and copied to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), questions whether Heath Goldfields is a bona fide subsidiary of Turkey’s Yıldırım Group/Yilmaden, as presented during the competitive bidding process for the mine’s leases.
Background to the transaction
The Bogoso–Prestea Mine’s previous operator, FGR Bogoso Prestea Mine, had its leases terminated in September 2024 on grounds of financial insolvency, following failures to invest and to meet obligations to workers and state institutions. The Minerals Commission subsequently invited bids, with Heath Goldfields emerging successful based on its technical proposal and assurances of strong financial backing, including a pledged US$500 million investment over five years.
However, petitioners argue that post-approval developments contradict these representations. According to Registrar General records cited, Heath Goldfields was incorporated in February 2024 with a stated capital of GHS10,000, raising questions about its ability to independently finance a capital-intensive mining operation.
Concerns over financing and commitments
Central to the petition is the allegation that the promised capital injections, particularly an initial US$50 million meant to cover employee entitlements and restart operations, were not mobilised as stated. The petitioners contend that payments to workers were delayed by several months, despite a one-week payment commitment in Heath Goldfields’ Strategic Mine Development Plan that formed the basis for lease approval.
The Coalition further alleges that key investments earmarked for processing plant refurbishment and underground mining infrastructure between Q4 2024 and Q3 2025 have not materialised, with major equipment reportedly absent from the site.
Employment and regulatory issues
The petition also highlights workforce displacement, claiming that over 400 workers have been laid off since Heath Goldfields assumed control, contrary to assurances that the takeover would stabilise operations and preserve jobs.
Additionally, it questions why mining leases were issued in December 2024 despite alleged non-fulfilment of preconditions set by the Minerals Commission, and notes that the Commission later issued a 120-day notice in October 2025 for Heath Goldfields to remedy breaches of the leases, but without a final decision to date.
Call for investigation
Petitioners are urging state authorities to examine the accuracy of representations made during the bidding process, the adequacy of regulatory due diligence, compliance with lease conditions, and the status of outstanding employee and statutory obligations. They argue that the issues mirror challenges that led to the termination of the previous operator’s leases and risk undermining confidence in Ghana’s mining governance framework.
As of the time of publication, Heath Goldfields Limited, the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources have not publicly responded to the petition.
