The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has officially revoked the mining leases of FGR Bogoso Prestea Mining Limited.
This decision was announced in a press statement on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, following recommendations from the Minerals Commission and the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
The termination of the leases is in line with Article 88 of the Constitution, sections 5(1), 68(1), and 100(2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as well as Regulation 200(1) of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176).
The Ministry highlighted that this decision was reached after a comprehensive review of reports from the Minerals Commission and a Ministerial Committee tasked with assessing the company’s operations. Consultations with relevant stakeholders also played a significant role in the final determination.
“The Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, acting on the advice and recommendation of the Minerals Commission and the Attorney-General, pursuant to article 88 of the Constitution, sections 5(1), 68(1), and 100(2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and regulation 200(1) of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176), has terminated the mining leases granted to FGR Bogoso Prestea Limited (the Company), and directed the Minerals Commission to issue a notice of termination to the Company, in accordance with regulation 200(4) of L.I. 2176.”
The statement added, “The decision to terminate the mining leases was taken after reviewing various reports from the Minerals Commission as well as a Ministerial Committee constituted to review the operations of the Company, and after extensive engagement with all stakeholders involved in this matter.”
This development follows earlier protests by the Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) and over 400 of its members, who demonstrated at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on April 25 and 26, 2024. The protest aimed to bring attention to the issues at the Future Global Resources Bogoso-Prestea Mine and demand the termination of the company’s mining leases.
In response to the protest, the Ministry assured the union and workers of its commitment to protecting their interests and addressing the concerns of the Bogoso-Prestea communities. A committee was subsequently established to investigate the situation, leading to the termination of the company’s mining leases.
