By Erica Apeatua Addo

Tarkwa (W/R), May 26, GNA – Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has expressed worry over the prolonged shutdown of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, which has lasted for more than 18 months.

The Minister witnessed the devasting condition of the Mine, with flooding in its underground section during his visit to the Mine.

Currently, this development has triggered concerns about the Mine’s sustainability and potential infrastructure damage.

Mr Buah was accompanied by Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, Mr Matthew Kofi Ayeh, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Prestea Huni-Valley and Mr Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Prestea Huni-Valley constituency.

He stated that the Mine’s present condition was unacceptable, emphasized its economic importance to surrounding communities such as Bogoso, Prestea and among others.

In addition, the minister said, the Mine played a vital role in the regional economy by providing jobs for thousands of workers.

The team interacted with the workers who were unhappy, and they talked about the Mine’s extended closure and the unclear future.

Again, they raised doubts about the new management team that took over the Bogoso-Prestea Mine in November 2024, questioned their financial capacity and commitment to revive the Mine.

“The flooding, resulting from the recent heavy downpour, poses a significant threat, and experts are calling for immediate intervention to prevent irreversible damage”, the workers mentioned

The Regional minister together with the MCE and MP appealed to the workers to remain calm and assured them that the government was working hard to resolve challenges in the Mine and restore operations. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources also promised to advocate the Mine’s revival nationally, and this statement has raised expectations among workers and community members for meaningful actions.

The workers, however revealed that “with the rains intensifying, every passing day narrows the window for effective intervention to save the Mine”.

GNA

Edited by Justina Paaga/Kenneth Odeng Adade