The Minerals Commission has appointed a six-member caretaker team to assist the regional manager in managing operations at the FGR Bogoso and Prestea mines after the government terminated the company’s mining leases.
On September 18, 2024, the government made the termination announcement, citing findings from various reports by the Minerals Commission and a Ministerial Committee that assessed the company’s operations.
This decision followed thorough consultations with stakeholders in the mining industry.
Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor revealed that the previous operators had been warned in August 2023 for numerous breaches of mining regulations.
Despite receiving guidance from the Minerals Commission to correct these violations, the company failed to comply.
In contrast, Blue Gold Bogoso Prestea Limited, claiming to be the new operator, has disputed the government’s decision, stating that its operations are legal and that it intends to contest the termination notice.
According to a notice from the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, the newly formed caretaker team will take charge of overseeing the daily affairs of the mine site starting immediately.
Below is the full notice.
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
1. Mr. Emmanuel Dadzie
2. Mr. Abdul Malik Nuhu Billa
3. Mr. Samuel Mireku
REPRESENTATIVES OF WORKERS UNION
1. Mr. Mac Donald Kitsin-Hytey
2. Mr. Enoch Kelly Kwofie
3. 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.