The Minerals Commission has appointed a six-member caretaker team to assist the regional manager of the commission in overseeing operations at the FGR Bogoso and Prestea mines following the termination of the company’s mining leases.
The government announced the termination on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, citing the findings from various reports by the Minerals Commission and a Ministerial Committee that reviewed the company’s operations.
The decision came after extensive engagement with all stakeholders.
Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, in the termination announcement, revealed that the previous operators were cautioned in August 2023 for multiple breaches related to their mining activities.
Despite advisories from the Minerals Commission to rectify the issues, the company failed to comply.
However, Blue Gold Bogoso Prestea Limited, which claims to be the new operator of the mines, has contested the government’s decision, asserting that its operations are legal and that it will challenge the termination notice.
In a notice, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, stated that the newly appointed caretaker team will “oversee the day-to-day affairs of the mine site effective immediately.”
Below is the full notice.
RE: NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF MINING LEASES
The above subject matter refers.
Please take note that following the termination of the mining leases of FGR Bogoso Prestea Limited, the Mineral Rights covering the Bogoso-Prestea Mine have reversed to the State.
Consequently, the Minerals Commission which is responsible for the regulation of the mining industry as well as the management and utilization of the mineral resources of the state is now responsible for managing the Bogoso-Prestea Mine until a new investor is found.
Therefore, you are hereby appointed to oversee the day-to-day affairs of the mine site, effective immediately.
You will be assisted by the following senior officers and representatives of the workers union of the mine:
SENIOR OFFICERS
1. Mr. Emmanuel Dadzie
2. Mr. Abdul Malik Nuhu Billa
3. Mr. Samuel Mireku
REPRESENTATIVES OF WORKERS UNION
1. Mr. Mac Donald Kitsin-Hytey
2. Mr. Enoch Kelly Kwofie
3. Mr. Ben Bright Caiquo
Please, further take note that the Military shall remain at the mine site to secure the asserts of the mine.
The head of the military shall work with you and the above-named senior officers and representatives of the workers union of the mine to provide security at the mine.
Source: citinewsroom.com
