Coalition of Concerned Citizens Refutes GHS 136m “Complete” Payment of Legacy Liabilities by Heath Goldfields
The Coalition of Concerned Citizens has petitioned President John Mahama over what it describes as the incomplete settlement of outstanding legacy liabilities at the Bogoso–Prestea Mine following its acquisition by Heath Goldfields Limited, raising fresh concerns about regulatory compliance and due diligence in the lease approval process.
The coalition acknowledged media reports indicating that some GHS 136 million was paid to settle legacy obligations, a transaction executed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU). However, it insists that the payment represents only a partial settlement of total liabilities estimated at about $15 million.
According to the petition, one of the primary justifications for granting the Bogoso–Prestea mining leases to Heath Goldfields was the company’s claimed financial capacity to settle outstanding employee entitlements promptly. Heath Goldfields, under its Strategic Mine Development Plan submitted to the Minerals Commission in October 2024, committed to paying all outstanding entitlements within seven days after successful negotiations with the union—a condition the Commission reportedly referenced as a precondition for issuing the leases.
The coalition, however, noted that the Minerals Commission, through its former Chief Executive Officer, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, formally notified Heath Goldfields’ Director, Edwin Kpedor, of approval to acquire the mine in a letter dated November 14, 2024, subject to three specific conditions. Despite these conditions not being fully satisfied, the mining leases were issued on December 13, 2024.
The petition further states that Heath Goldfields entered into an MoU with the GMWU on November 22, 2024, committing to pay two months of outstanding salaries on or before December 13, 2024. This arrangement, the coalition argues, contradicted the revised Strategic Mine Development Plan, under which Heath Goldfields was expected to settle all outstanding entitlements from an initial $50 million funding purportedly received from Yilmaden Holding—an advantage that reportedly distinguished the company from other bidders.
“Interestingly, Heath Goldfields could not even pay the two months outstanding salaries out of ten months on or before December 13, 2024,” the petition stated, describing the pegging of the payment deadline to the lease issuance date as a “clear deception” aimed at securing ministerial approval.
The coalition further contends that no payments were made to any creditors prior to the signing of the leases, with the two-month salary arrears only settled between March and July 2025. This, it argues, points to deficiencies in due diligence by the Minerals Commission and undue haste by the former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in approving the transaction before leaving office.
The petition also highlights delays in settling other worker-related obligations. Six months of outstanding salaries (excluding former management) were paid in July 2025, Provident Fund contributions in September 2025, and end-of-contract payments in December 2025. Severance pay, SSNIT contributions, Tier 2 pension obligations, and outstanding salaries for former managers remain unpaid.
Beyond legacy liabilities, the coalition expressed concern over employment outcomes at the mine. Despite assurances that Heath Goldfields would stabilize operations and preserve jobs, more than 400 workers have reportedly been laid off since the company assumed control, adversely affecting livelihoods in the Bogoso and Prestea communities. The coalition noted that workforce reductions often signal deeper operational or financial distress, particularly where promised capital injections fail to materialize.
It further observed that several operational and financial challenges that characterized the tenure of the previous operator, FGR Bogoso–Prestea Mine, including insolvency, underinvestment, and accumulation of unpaid obligations, are re-emerging under Heath Goldfields despite earlier representations that distinguished the company during the competitive selection process.
In light of the above developments, the coalition is calling for an independent and comprehensive investigation into the acquisition, financing, and operational conduct of Heath Goldfields Limited. Areas proposed for scrutiny include representations regarding ownership and financial backing, the Minerals Commission’s due diligence processes, compliance with lease conditions, the status of outstanding employee entitlements, and any regulatory or procedural lapses in the issuance of the mining leases.
The coalition stressed that pending the outcome of such investigations, remedial measures must be taken to protect workers’ rights, safeguard state interests, and uphold the integrity of Ghana’s mining sector.
