BY Daniel Bampoe
A heated dispute has erupted over the Bogoso-Prestea mine, with mining firm FGR/Blue Gold accusing the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources of unlawfully handing over the mine to Heath Goldfields.
The accusation comes despite an ongoing legal dispute, which, according to FGR/Blue Gold, should have preserved their rights to the mine.
Background
The controversy began in September 2024, when the then Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Jinapor, terminated FGR Bogoso Prestea Limited’s mining leases, citing the company’s failure to meet specific conditions.
These conditions included commencing payment of workers’ outstanding salaries and providing evidence of financial resources to pay creditors and operate the mine.
Allegations Of Illegal Occupation
Yiadom Boakye Amponsah, Managing Director of FGR/Blue Gold, described the situation as an “illegal occupation” of the company’s concession, vehicles, buildings, and equipment.
He alleged that Heath Goldfields was allowed to move onto the mine site in November 2024, without proper notice, and that a Gazette notice for Heath’s application was only published in April 2025, months after the company took over the concession.
FGR/Blue Gold’s Claims
Yiadom Amponsah emphasized that FGR/Blue Gold has the financial and technical capacity to restart operations and has already secured funding to do so.
The company reportedly raised an additional US$80 million for the mine and is urging the government to restore its lease to repay creditors and revive the dormant operation.
Legal Action
FGR/Blue Gold has filed for international arbitration but is willing to withdraw the case if its mining rights are reinstated.
The company is committed to pursuing legal and peaceful avenues to resolve the dispute and maintain peace in the catchment area.
