Minerals Commission Appoints Caretaker Team Following Termination of FGR Bogoso-Prestea Mining Leases
The Minerals Commission of Ghana has established a six-member caretaker team to oversee operations at the FGR Bogoso-Prestea mine, following the termination of the company’s mining leases due to regulatory non-compliance.
The decision, announced by Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor on September 18, 2024, is a direct result of multiple investigations into the company’s adherence to mining regulations.
The termination comes after comprehensive assessments conducted by the Minerals Commission and a Ministerial Committee, which scrutinized the company’s operational practices.
Minister Jinapor revealed that the previous operators had received warnings in August 2023 regarding several breaches related to their mining activities. Despite these alerts, the company failed to address the issues satisfactorily.
“The previous operators were warned, but they did not take the necessary steps to rectify the issues,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
In response to the government’s decision, Blue Gold Bogoso Prestea Limited, which claims to be the new operator of the mines, has contested the termination. The company maintains that its operations are legitimate and intends to challenge the termination notice in court.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, has confirmed that the newly appointed caretaker team will assume responsibility for the mine’s day-to-day operations with immediate effect, ensuring continued oversight during this transitional period.
