Former employees of the Bogoso–Prestea Gold Mine have appealed to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, demanding government intervention to compel Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL) to settle long-overdue statutory and contractual entitlements.
In a petition dated December 10, 2025, the ex-workers expressed growing frustration over months of delayed payments, despite a 120-day directive issued by the Minister in May 2025 instructing HGL to clear all arrears.
According to the petitioners, only limited disbursements have been made, leaving the majority of separated workers without their lawful benefits.
The group described the situation as increasingly dire, with prolonged non-payment pushing many families into severe financial distress.
They cited reports of former employees who had passed away without receiving their entitlements, leaving dependents vulnerable.
Others, including elderly and medically unfit former workers, are reportedly living in poverty and indignity.
“Hundreds of affected workers have been without income for months, unable to provide food, education, and healthcare for their families,” the petition stated.
The petitioners also condemned HGL’s unilateral postponement of payments, pointing to promises to settle all arrears in December 2025 without providing official confirmation.
They described this as further evidence of neglect and disregard for workers’ rights.
Beyond unpaid salaries and benefits, the former employees raised questions about the due diligence conducted before approving HGL’s takeover of the Bogoso–Prestea Mine.
Drawing parallels to the circumstances that led to the removal of the previous operator, Future Global Resources (FGR), they demanded clarity on the level of capital commitment presented by HGL, the assurances evaluated by the government, and whether independent verification confirmed the company’s capacity to sustain operations.
“These signs of financial strain mirror the very problems that led to the removal of FGR,” the petition read, highlighting serious concerns over the robustness of government oversight.
Despite written assurances from HGL dated August 27 and October 6, 2025, the petition outlined outstanding payments that remain unmet, including Provident Fund contributions and arrears, end-of-service benefits, redundancy and severance compensation, accrued leave and annual bonuses, as well as other statutory and contractual entitlements.
The ex-workers also criticised the lack of dedicated communication channels, which they said has fueled uncertainty and frustration.
The petitioners requested urgent action from the Minister, calling for the immediate payment of all outstanding benefits, enforcement of statutory and contractual entitlements, protection of previously earned benefits for re-employed workers, and strict compliance timelines with penalties for non-compliance.
They warned that their patience was running thin and hinted at possible public demonstrations if the situation is not addressed promptly.
“Our families are suffering, our dignity is fading, and our lawful entitlements remain unpaid,” the petition declared, urging the government to intervene swiftly and provide relief to hundreds of affected families who depend on the industry for their livelihoods.
