The government has announced the termination of FGR Bogoso Prestea Mining Limited’s mining leases, in response to recommendations from the Minerals Commission, Attorney-General, and Minister for Justice.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, in a statement signed by Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor.
In August 2023, FGR was warned about various infractions in its mining operations and recommended by the Minerals Commission to get them corrected.
The statement indicated that the “decision to terminate the mining leases was taken after reviewing various reports from the Minerals Commission as well as a Ministerial Committee constituted to review the operations of the Company, and after extensive engagement with all stakeholders involved in this matter.”
The decision follows a series of demonstrations and concerns expressed by numerous parties, including the Ghana Mine Workers Union.
Over 400 members of the mine workers’ union demonstrated outside the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, demanding that FGR Bogoso Prestea’s mining leases be terminated.
The union noted, among other things, terrible working conditions and the company’s unwillingness to address important operational difficulties, such as financial commitments.
Minister Jinapor added that the government “continues to assure the general public of its unflinching commitment to the efficient, effective, and sustainable exploitation and management of the natural resources of our country, in the spirit of transparency, anchored on integrity and utmost good faith, for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.”