The streets of Bogoso and Prestea came alive with joyous scenes of relief, as former workers of the Bogoso Prestea Mine staged a solidarity march to celebrate the payment of their long-outstanding severance packages by the mine’s new operator, Heath Goldfields.
For many of the workers and their families, the moment marked the end of years of uncertainty and financial hardship, following the collapse of operations under the previous management of the mine.
The march, organised by the workers and the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union, was the third public show of support for Heath Goldfields, since the company took over operations at the mine. Residents of Bogoso and Prestea had earlier embarked on similar demonstrations to express optimism about the revival of the once-struggling mining community.
Addressing the gathering, Managing Director of Heath Gold Fields, Patrick Appiah Mensah, described the occasion as “a very happy day” for both management and workers.
“We are committed to settling all the legacy debts that we inherited from the previous operator and today we have satisfied and honoured all the commitments.”
According to him, the company had paid about 22 million US dollars in worker entitlements inherited from the former operators of the mine.
He explained that the severance payments covered about 212 former workers, with approximately 98 per cent already receiving their money, while a few others were expected to complete documentation processes before receiving theirs.
“This marks the beginning of greater things that are supposed to come to Bogoso Prestea Mine,” Mr Appiah Mensah stated.
He assured the workers that the company remained committed to improving lives through sustainable mining practices and prioritising worker welfare. “Our greatest asset is the worker on this mine,” he added.
For many workers, however, the event was more than a financial settlement. It was a restoration of dignity and hope.
Some workers, who joined the march, described the payments as life-changing, saying the long wait had placed enormous strain on families, disrupted children’s education and deepened economic hardship in the communities.
The Branch Secretary of the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union, Raymond Brimpong Boateng, said the workers were deeply grateful that the company had fulfilled every promise made to them.
“Former workers, we are very happy that our work has not been in vain. The MD has honoured his promise to former workers and we are overwhelmed.”
Mr Brimpong praised the transformation taking place at the mine since Heath Goldfields assumed control, noting that the once-abandoned and deteriorating site had seen visible improvement.
“A year ago, when you came here, you would see weeds, rusted and corroded materials everywhere. Today, even at night, the place is illuminated. The area has changed completely,” he said.
He said the workers organised the solidarity march independently to demonstrate their appreciation and reassure management of their support.
“This is a union programme, not management’s programme. We organised it ourselves because management has honoured every promise – severance, salary arrears, provident fund and all outstanding payments.”
The union also pledged its support for the success of the company and expressed hope that Heath Goldfields would grow into one of Ghana’s leading mining firms, alongside major industry players such as Newmont and AngloGold Ashanti.
Beyond the speeches and celebration, the atmosphere in Bogoso and Prestea reflected renewed confidence in the future of the mine and the local economy.
For communities that have endured years of uncertainty, the payment of the severance packages represents more than money, it signals the possibility of recovery, stability and a fresh start.
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The post Heath Goldfields Pays $22m Severance Package To 98% Of Ex-Workers appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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