A private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has launched a scathing attack on government handling of the Bogoso-Prestea gold mine, calling for the immediate termination of the lease held by Heath Goldfields Limited over what he describes as “clear breaches, misrepresentation, and risk to national interest.”
Addressing the media on behalf of concerned stakeholders, the lawyer questioned the decision-making process that led to the award of the mining lease and accused state authorities of failing to protect Ghana’s mineral resources.
Mr. Kpebu argued that the Bogoso-Prestea mine—located within the mineral-rich Ashanti Greenstone Belt—is too strategic to be left in the hands of what he described as an underperforming and under-resourced operator.
He warned that the continued occupation of the mine by Heath Goldfields poses a direct threat to jobs, local economies, and national revenue, insisting that the people of Prestea-Huni Valley are being shortchanged.
“This is not just a contractual issue; it is a matter of national interest and accountability,” he stressed.
Political Questions Over Lease Approval
The lawyer raised concerns about the circumstances under which the lease was granted in December 2024 by former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, particularly during a transitional period when government had reportedly directed a halt to such agreements.
He described the move as “deeply troubling,” suggesting it raises governance and transparency concerns that must be addressed at the highest levels.
Mr. Kpebu further criticized the failure of regulators, including the Minerals Commission, to enforce compliance despite multiple breaches by the company.
“Investment Mirage” and Broken Promises
At the heart of the dispute is what Mr. Kpebu termed an “investment mirage,” referencing the unfulfilled promise of a $500 million backing from Yilmaden Holding, linked to the Yildirim Group.
He argued that there is no credible evidence of such financing, describing the arrangement as misleading and a key factor in the mine’s current state of inactivity.
“The figures were used to secure the lease, but the reality on the ground tells a completely different story,” he said.
Non-Performance and Regulatory Breaches
Citing reports from the Minerals Commission, Mr. Kpebu outlined a series of failures, including:
A non-operational mine despite clear timelines for restart
Flooded underground shafts and deteriorating infrastructure
Unpaid worker entitlements and statutory obligations
Ongoing illegal mining activities within the concession
He emphasized that a 120-day notice issued to the company to remedy these breaches had expired without meaningful compliance.
Mr. Kpebu also took aim at a $65 million financing agreement between Heath Goldfields and commodities giant Trafigura, describing it as a dangerous attempt to collateralize Ghana’s mineral resources.
He warned that the agreement effectively places national assets at risk without parliamentary approval, potentially violating Article 268 of the Constitution.
“This is how sovereign assets are quietly mortgaged. It must not be allowed,” he cautioned.
Direct Appeal to the Minister
The lawyer called directly on the current Lands Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, to act decisively by invoking Section 68 of the Minerals and Mining Act to terminate the lease.
He argued that failure to do so would not only embolden non-compliance but also erode public trust in government oversight of the mining sector.
Framing the issue as a test of leadership, Mr. Kpebu said the government now faces a critical choice: protect Ghana’s strategic resources or allow what he described as “a repeat of past failures,” referencing the collapse of operations under Future Global Resources.
“The people of Prestea deserve better. Ghana deserves better,” he concluded
The Minerals Commission is currently conducting a final assessment, but the growing political pressure signals that the fate of the Bogoso-Prestea mine could soon become a major national issue.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
