The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has issued a “Stop Work Notice” to Heath Goldfields, operators of the Bogoso-Prestea mine, citing regulatory breaches and substandard operations.
The directive, effective June 24, 2025, follows a ministerial visit and a detailed inspection by the Minerals Commission. Findings by the Chief Inspector of Mines revealed the company had failed to comply with key safety and operational standards under Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety, and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182).
Heath Goldfields has been granted 45 days from the date of the directive to rectify all violations and is permitted to carry out only essential services as authorized by the Chief Inspector.
The Ministry cited persistent non-compliance with safety protocols, operational procedures, and administrative requirements as reasons for the decision. Although Heath Goldfields received approval to operate the mine in November 2024 following a successful technical and financial assessment, recent inspections revealed significant operational decline.
A Minerals Commission report dated May 16, 2025, noted a complete halt in mining activities, severe land and infrastructure degradation, a compromised Tailings Storage Facility, and a non-operational Process Water Treatment Plant. Additionally, instances of illegal mining were reported within the company’s concession area.
Heath Goldfields also failed to adhere to its own Strategic Mine Development Plan and violated Clause 7 of its mining lease by transporting gold-bearing materials without securing the required approvals from the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the Minerals Commission.
Further concerns were raised by employees, who submitted a petition to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, highlighting poor working conditions and mismanagement. In response, the Minister conducted an on-site visit to the Bogoso-Prestea mine on May 23, 2025.
Subsequent investigations confirmed that the company is grappling with significant operational and financial difficulties, including the non-payment of staff salaries.
As a result, the Minister has directed the Minerals Commission to serve formal notices to Heath Goldfields, requiring full compliance with the relevant laws and terms of its lease. In accordance with Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 and Clause 27(b) of the Mining Lease Agreement, the company has been given 120 days to address all outstanding issues or risk having its mining license revoked.
