Lands minister terminates mining lease of FGR Bogoso Prestea Limited

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has officially terminated the mining leases of FGR Bogoso Prestea Mining Limited, acting on recommendations from the Minerals Commission and the Attorney General and Minister for Justice.

A press statement issued by the ministry on September 18, 2024, noted that the decision followed thorough reviews of reports from the Minerals Commission and a Ministerial Committee set up to assess the company’s operations, alongside consultations with relevant stakeholders.

"The Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, acting on the advice and recommendation of the Minerals Commission and the Attorney-General, pursuant to article 88 of the Constitution, sections 5(1), 68(1) and 100(2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and regulation 200(1) of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176), has terminated the mining leases granted to FGR Bogoso Prestea Limited (the Company), and directed the Minerals Commission to issue a notice of termination to the Company, in accordance with regulation 200(4) of L.I. 2176", it stated.

In February 2024, the Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU), along with over 400 of its members staged a demonstration at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources demanding the termination of mining leases of the Future Global Resources (FGR) due to unresolved issues.

Subsequently the Ministry of Lands reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding their interests and the well-being of the Bogoso-Prestea communities.

A committee was later established to investigate the situation, leading to the termination of the mining leases.

Traditional leaders in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region were also unhappy with the new owners of the Bogoso Prestea mine, for their failure to revamp the mine as promised in September 2021 when they took over the concession from Golden Star Resources.

The chiefs were disappointed with the government and mining sector regulators for their inability to intervene to address the situation despite several appeals.

JKB/AE

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