The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has given Future Global Resources (FGR) a deadline for the revamping of the Prestea and Bogoso mine.

This announcement follows an engagement between the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, and members of the Mine Workers Union who were picketing at the Ministry, today, Thursday, 25 April 2024.

The Minister assured the workers of the government's “commitment to working with all stakeholders to revamp the Prestea and Bogoso mines, and secure the welfare of its workers.” 

The mines, were acquired by FGR in October 2020 from Golden Star Resources. 

Operations at the mine ceased in December 2023 due to financial challenges, leaving workers with unpaid salaries.

A statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Lands Ministry following the picketing by the workers revealed the Ministry, along with the Minerals Commission, has been collaborating with FGR and other stakeholders to address the debts and restart operations. FGR submitted a proposal in January 2024 to restructure the company and raise USD150 million to pay creditors and revive the mines.

Government has conditionally approved FGR's proposal, giving the company “120 days” to raise the capital and ensure the mines operate at full capacity. Additionally, FGR has been given “two weeks” to commence payment of outstanding salaries, with a deadline of May 30, 2024, to complete all payments.

The Minister, emphasised the importance of FGR supporting the government's Community Mining Scheme by relinquishing part of its concessions in Bogoso and Prestea. 

Failure to meet the conditions set forth by the Ministry could result in the revocation of the conditional approval and termination of mining leases.

More than 300 mine workers from the Bogoso Mine today converged at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to stage a protest.

They want the minister, to revoke the mining lease of Future Global Resources, the managers of the Bogoso Mine.

Their argument is rooted in the claim that Future Global Resources has demonstrated a lack of capacity to effectively manage the mine over the past three years, leading to the layoff of all the workers.

Abdul Moomin Gbana, the General Secretary of the Ghana Mine Workers Union of TUC, addressed the media at a news conference in Accra, where he highlighted the grievances of the workers.