The General Secretary of the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) has defended the role of state institutions in regulating mining operations.
Abdul-Moomin Gbana insists that community agitation cannot replace lawful oversight in the ongoing Bogoso–Prestea dispute.
Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show on Tuesday, Mr Gbana said it was necessary to clarify the limits of citizen action in mining governance.
“I think it’s important to place on record that the concerned citizens of Bogoso and Prestea are not regulators,” he said.
He stressed that the responsibility for supervising mining operations lies squarely with state agencies.
“The Minerals Commission is the regulator and is in charge of ensuring that if the mine is not operating according to plan, it will call that mine to order,” he said.
According to him, the supervisory authority ultimately rests with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
The Bogoso–Prestea mine has been at the centre of tensions following concerns raised by residents about Health Goldfields’ operations, including questions about permits, compliance, and the future of the mine. The unrest prompted government intervention.
Mr Gbana recalled that when the agitations escalated, the sector minister initiated an official probe.
“I recall quite recently, when some of these agitations began, the minister constituted a committee, which was led by the Chief Director of the ministry,” he said.
He said the committee conducted extensive checks on Health Goldfields.
“They did some thorough due diligence on Health Goldfields,” he said.
He explained that the review was triggered by concerns raised by stakeholders and by the company’s lack of a mining operating permit.
“Concerns were raised, and the fact that the mining operating permit hadn’t been issued,” he said.
Mr Gbana said the committee completed its work and submitted its findings to the minister.
“After the committee completed its work, the minister was satisfied, the government was satisfied,” he said.
Following that process, the mining operating permit was issued. “And went ahead and issued the mining operating permit,” he added.
He emphasised that mining in Ghana is strictly governed by law. “It’s important for all of us to understand that we are regulated by law,” he said.
Mr Gbana said Health Goldfields cannot operate outside the legal framework. “Health Goldfields cannot do things outside the law,” he said.
He explained that without the required permits, mining activity would amount to a legal breach.
“If it doesn’t have the required permits and licence, Health Goldfields cannot go ahead to mine. If you do so, you contravene the law,” he said.
He revealed that the company only received its mining operating permit within the last month.
“Not until Health Goldfields got a mining operating permit, which is just about three to four weeks ago,” he said.
He noted that the company had also been waiting on environmental clearance. “The EPA permit was also subsequently issued to them,” he said.
With all permits now secured, Mr Gbana said there should be no delay in restarting operations.
“Now that they have all the permits in accordance with Ghanaian law, I do not see why Health Goldfields would have any excuse in hitting the ground running,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the company’s ability to revive the mine.
“I’m confident that with all these things out of the way now, Health Goldfields should be able to turn around that mine and ensure that we benefit fully from it,” he said.
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