The Benso Mine Site of Golden Star Resources which was attacked by a mob and destroyed properties on March 16, 2023, has resumed full operations.
The mine was temporally shut down after the incident.
The mob who attacked the company on March 16 were believed to be illegal miners operating in the company’s concession at Benson in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
Various properties in sight including vehicles, haulage trucks, and offices were destroyed.
This compelled the Chief Inspector per the Health, Safety, and Technical regulations of the Mineral and Mining Law to shut down the operations at the site.
However, the company has been given the all-clear to resume operations and is currently mining and hauling the ore after a safety audit and assessment of the situation by the security agencies and insurance.
The Corporate Affairs Manager, Gerald Osei Boakye, reveals that about 200 persons were arrested but 53 were charged.
A team from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Minerals Commission, and the Chamber of Mines led by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr George Mireku Duker, together with the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah were on site to ascertain first-hand information about the damage.
Mr Mireku Duker said the government is determined to protect all miming investments and that issues of security will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
He advised members of the community to desist from such unlawful acts.
Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah called for the strengthening of the bond of cooperation between the host communities and the mining company by reviewing the social investment policy to meet the expectation of the people.
