The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has issued a stern ultimatum to Future Global Resources (FGR), the managers of the Bogoso and Prestea Mines, to settle overdue salaries owed to workers within the next fourteen days.
After more than three hundred mine workers from the Bogoso Mine staged a protest at the Ministry’s premises demanding payment, the Ministry declared that FGR must clear all outstanding salaries by May 30, 2024.
The workers have called on the Minister to revoke FGR’s mining lease, citing the company’s inability to manage the mine effectively and the subsequent layoffs that have ensued over the past three years.
Abdul Moomin Gbana, the General Secretary of the Ghana Mine Workers Union of TUC, emphasized during a press conference in Accra that Future Global Resources lacks the financial capacity to sustain mining operations.
Furthermore, mining operations at the Bogoso Mine halted in December 2023 due to financial constraints. Despite FGR’s proposal to restructure the company and raise $150 million to settle debts and revive mining activities, the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation.
In particular, FGR has been given 120 days to demonstrate their financial capability to pay creditors and operate the mines. The company must also ensure the mine is fully operational within the specified timeframe.
As a part of the approval conditions, FGR is required to support the government’s Community Mining Scheme by relinquishing a portion of their concessions for the benefit of the local communities in Bogoso and Prestea.
The Ministry’s statement underscores the urgency and accountability required from FGR to uphold their commitments and ensure the welfare of the affected mine workers.
