Former employees of the Bogoso–Prestea Gold Mine are calling on the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to urgently intervene and compel Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL) to pay long-overdue statutory and contractual benefits.

In a petition dated December 10, 2025, the ex-workers expressed deep frustration over months of unresolved payments, despite a directive issued by the Minister in May 2025 ordering HGL to clear all arrears within 120 days.

According to the petitioners, only partial disbursements have been made, leaving the majority of separated workers without their lawful entitlements.

They described the situation as “dire,” noting that prolonged non-payment has plunged many families into severe financial hardship.

The petition highlighted troubling cases of former workers who have died without receiving their benefits, leaving dependents vulnerable.

Others — including elderly and medically unfit ex-employees — are said to be living in poverty and indignity.

“Hundreds of affected workers have been without income for months, unable to provide food, education, and healthcare for their families,” the petition stated.

The group also criticised HGL for repeatedly shifting payment timelines, pointing to unverified promises that all arrears would be settled in December 2025.

They said the absence of official communication reinforces a pattern of neglect and disregard for workers’ rights.

Beyond the unpaid entitlements, the petitioners questioned the due diligence that preceded HGL’s takeover of the mine. Drawing comparisons to the circumstances that led to the removal of former operator Future Global Resources (FGR), they demanded clarity on the capital commitments HGL presented, the assurances evaluated by the government, and whether independent verification confirmed the company’s financial capacity.

“These signs of financial strain mirror the very problems that led to the removal of FGR,” the petition warned, raising concerns over the strength of government oversight.

Despite written assurances from HGL dated August 27 and October 6, 2025, several payments reportedly remain outstanding.

These include Provident Fund contributions and arrears, end-of-service benefits, redundancy and severance packages, accrued leave, annual bonuses, and other statutory obligations.

The group also lamented the lack of dedicated communication channels, which they say has fuelled confusion and anxiety among affected workers.

They are urging the Minister to take immediate action to enforce payment of all outstanding entitlements, protect previously earned benefits for re-engaged workers, and impose strict compliance timelines with penalties for default.

Warning that their patience is wearing thin, the petitioners indicated that public demonstrations may be considered if the matter is not addressed swiftly.

“Our families are suffering, our dignity is fading, and our lawful entitlements remain unpaid,” the petition read, calling for urgent government intervention to bring relief to hundreds of households reliant on the mining sector for their livelihoods.